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THE PAG EANT 
OF 

VIRGINIA 




PRICE FIFTY CENTS 



Book of Words 
THE T AGE ANT OF VIRGINIA 



BOOK OF WORDS 



The Pageant of Virginia 

By THOMAS WOOD STEVENS 
Director of the Pageant 




The Virginia Historical Pageant Association 

RICHMOND 

MCMXXII 



F22 7 

Copyright, 1922, 5y Thomas Wood Stevens. 



©CI.D 60960 



[ 4 1 

J0N-! 1922 



The Virginia Historical Pageant 
Association 



OFFICERS 

^^ President , Mr. Oliver J. Sands 

Vice-Presidents, Mrs. John Skelton Williams, Mr. 

Homer L. Ferguson. 
Secretary, Mr. W. 13. Cridlin 

Assistant to Secretary, Mrs. Carl Gray Gillikin 
Treasurer, Mr. D. W. Durrett 
Business Manager, Mr. W. Conway Saunders 
Official Architect, Chas M. Robinson 

TRUSTEES 

Oliver J. Sands 

W. B. Cridlin 

D. W. Durrett 

Homer L. Ferguson 

Mrs. Jno. Skelton Williams 

Henry Schwarzschild 

Mrs. William Ruffin Cox 

Alvin M. Smith 

R. Mc. Bullington 

W. R. Wtlliams 

Thos. S. Wheelwright 

James O. Winston 

Lewis C. Williams 

Geo. L. Wilcox 

Douglas S. Freeman 

[ 5 ] 



The Committees of the Pageant 

THE BOOK COMMITTEE 
Dr. Lyon G. Tyler, Chairman. 
Dr. Douglas Freeman Rt. Rev. Bishop O'Connell 

Mr. William Stanard Mr. Morgan Robinson 

Mr. J. C. Metcalf Mr. J. A. C. Chandler 

W. B. Cridlin Mr. Arthur James 

THE GROUNDS COMMITTEE GENERAL 
Mr. C. Custer Robinson, Chairman. 

Mr. Charles L. Hoffman Mr. B. A. Ruffin 

Mr. L. T. Pemberton Mr. J . T. Waddill 

Lighting Traffic 

Mr. Edgar Andrews Mr. Allen J. Savtlle 

Mr. Morris Hunter Col. Willl\m Myers 
Mr. E. W. Trafford Mr. T. S. Wheelwright 

Lieut. C. B. Samuels Sheriff W. W. Sydnor 

Scenery Properties 

Mr. David S. Gaither Mr. Frank Spear 

Engineer Construction 

Mr. G. W. VanHorn Mr. J. T. Crump 

THE MUSIC COMMITTEE 
Mrs. F. D. Williams, Chairman. 
Mr. Walter C. Mercer, Director of Chorus. 
Mr. J. H. Donohue 
Mrs. Peyton Rowe 
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE 
Col. Andrew Gray, Chaiivnan. 
Mr. R. P. Harrison Mr. Clarence Seaton 

Mr. H. E. Litchfield Mr. Nathan Willl\ms 

Mr. Hugh P. Powell Mr. L. C. Willuams 

Mr. O. E. Parrish 

[ 6 ] 



THE CAST COMMITTEE 

Mr. John C. Goode, Chairman. 
Mrs. C. W. Massey Mr. J. H. Cooper 

Mrs. B. A. Blenner Rev. Walter O'Brien 

Mrs. W. A. Cheatwood Rev. E. E. Osgood 

Mrs. W. A. Crenshaw Miss Annie Manx 

Mr. Frederick S. Valen- Hew Walter Xott 
tine. Jr. Mr. Albert Boshen 

THE COSTUME COMMITTEE 
Mr. J. E. Balderston, Chairman. 

Costume Making 
Mrs. Carlton T. Reynolds, Chairman. 
Mrs. P. M. Edwards Miss Myrtle A. Stone 

Mrs. John F. Singleton Mrs. C. Miller Hughes 
Mrs. Edward Kelley, Jr. Mrs. Willia Burrows 
Mrs. W. R. Kennette Mrs. Joe Harper 

Mrs. Horace S. Wright Mrs. Charles Gasser. Jr. 
Mrs. George L. Christian Mrs. J. O. Xunnelly 
Mrs. J. A. Thompson Sister Rosa 

Mrs. Hugh Powell Miss Thelma Reynolds 

Mrs. Ula Burton Mrs. W. G. Quarles 

Mrs. James Blount Mrs. William Burrows 

Wardroee 
Mrs. George L. Christl\n, Jr., Chairman. 
Mrs. W. H. Powell Mrs. J. G. Earnest 

Mrs. R. A. Palley Mrs. Carlton T. Reynolds 

Mrs. Thomas Serey Mrs. J. O. Nunnelly 

Mrs. E. C. Kirkmeyer Miss Ruby Powell 

Mrs. W. A. Collins 

Mrs. Sara Bennett Smith, Technical Director. 

THE HOUSING COMMITTEE 
Mr. Henry Schwarzchild, Chairman. 

[ 7 ] 



THE FLOAT COMMITTEE 
Mr. B. A. Ruffin, Chairman. 



Me. A. M. Cannon 
Mr. H. E. Litchford 
Mr. A. J. Crafts 
Mr. Lewis Kaufman 
Mr. LeRoy Coiien 
Mr. Littleton Fitzgerald 



Mr. W. B. Broadus 
Mr. R. W. Williams 

Mr. E. Roy Dudley 
Mr. R. H. Thomas 
Mrs. John Skelton Wil- 
liams. 



CHAIRMEN OF FIVE CITIES PARTICIPATION 

Alexandria, Miss Helen Norris C^ummings 

L^NIYERSTTY OF VIRGINIA, Prof. W. M. Forrest 

Roanoke, Mrs. Gertrude Boatwright 
Norfolk. Mr. Robert D. Davis 
Williamsburg, Mr. Earl G. Swem 



STAFF OF THE 

Director 
Thomas Wood Stevens 

Assistant Director 
Howard Form an Smith 

Asst. Dir, in Charge oi 
Five Cities Participa- 
tion 

Ethel Theodora Rock- 
well 

Musical Director 
Lieut. Charles Benter 
Director of the Chorus 
Walter C. Mercer 

Composer of Overture 
John Powell 



PRODUCTION 

Publicity Directors 
Francis J. Tietsort 
J as. C. Latimer 

Composers of Choruses 
Harvey Gaul 
Frederick Fisher 
Gerald Tyler 

Stag,' Managers 
T. Beverly Campbell 
Mary Washington Ball 
John C. Goode 
Albert O. Boschen 
James Allison, Jr. 

Director of Costumes 
Sara Bennett Smith 



L 8 ] 



FOREWORD 

The Pageant of Virginia, as given in this book, and 
presented at Richmond in May, 1922, is in large measure 
the result of the untiring effort and enthusiasm of the 
Secretary of the Virginia Historical Pageant Associa- 
tion, Mr. W. B. Cridlin. To him the author desires to 
make the fullest acknowledgment for invaluable advice 
and suggestion, and for the generous manner in which 
Mr. Cridlin has placed at his disposal the historical 
data he had collected. 

Most grateful acknowledgments are also due to the 
members of the Book Committee, for the most helpful 
and sympathetic co-operation, and for active assistance 
in the selection of the episodes and the exploration of 
historical sources; also to Mr. C. Custer Robinson and 
the members of his committee, for the skilful solution of 
many technical problems in the preparation of the 
grounds, and in scenery and lighting. 

The scenes are, for the most part, faithful condensa- 
tions of the recorded crises in the story of Virginia. 
"Many of them, by their larger implications, represent 
crises in the history of the nation as well. Even in the 
five episodes presented by cities outside of Richmond, 
the interest is never merely local. Most of the scenes 
incorporate the actual words spoken on the various oc- 
casions, as far as they are recorded. In one case a 
scene is given, somewhat altered, from the author's 
Pageant of the Old Northwest — none the less a Vir- 
ginia scene for its taking place on the banks of the Mis- 
sissippi; and certain lines and choruses in the Epilogue 
have been previously presented, and are here incorporated 
by consent of the Book and Music Committees. 

Thomas Wood Stevens 



Richmond, May 1. 1922. 



[ 9 ] 



Statement by 
The Book Committee 

The episodes chosen to represent the outline of the 
History of Virginia in this Pageant have been selected 
and approved by this Committee. The dramatic design 
and treatment of the material has been left to the author; 
but all condensations and variations from the literal facts 
of history, made in the interest of dramatic effect and 
to save time in performance, have been by our consent. 
We believe the Pageant as here given represents justly 
the spirit of the Chronicle of Virginia. 

Lyon G. Tyler, Chairman. 



I 10 | 



The Prologue 

"VIRGINIA" 

The trumpets sound a triple flourish; the stage appeal's 
set for the entrance of Queen Elizabeth; there is a throne 
for her, facing a decorated masque stage; the court is 
already gathered. They kneel as she enters on Lord 
Burghley's arm. Again the trumpets, as she reaches the 
throne and turns. The court and people cry "Long 
live the Queen." As sfie sits, Raleigh kneels before her. 

QUEEN ELIZABETH 

What's here? A masque, Sir Walter? 

RALEIGH 

A masque — a prophecy. 

THE QUEEN 

That likes us better. What doth it foretell? 

RALEIGH 

It deals with far, strange countries : even those 
Where, by my Sovereign's grace and God's, I hope 
To set new vines of England's stock to bloom, 
New oaks of England's pasture to uprear ; 
Even America. 

THE QUEEN 

America ? Well, we will see your masque. 

[ 11 ] 



RALEIGH 

Our prophecy. And to its aid we call 
Sea wonders from beyond the ocean isles, 
Strange, sweet and wild, and sometimes tragical, 
Like winds that in the cordage of your ships 
Make prosperous music or tumultuous wreck. 
But you shall see. You gave me right and charter 
For the transplanting of your subjects thither. 
I have made search, not of those icy coasts 
Where yester-year my brother's ship went down 
And he took sea-way as the shortest road 
To Heaven, but to the southward, where the land 
Smiles and is filled with orient plenty. 

THE QUEEN 

Southward ? Yet well within the boundaries 
Of our permission ? — look you. 

RALEIGH 

I would not any sail of mine should cross 
The limits of your Majesty's decree. 

THE QUEEN 

We guard our patents jealously — 

RALEIGH 

And we. 
For well we know the eyes that watch our track 
Even on the ocean's face. 

[With a look at the Spanish Ambassador.] 

THE QUEEN 

Lands undiscovered, by no Christian prince, 
We said, now ruled or 'habited. 

[Lord Burghley nods in assent.] 

[ 12 ] 



RALEIGH 

I know 
Full well the words. And those whom I send thither 
Shall live with free and ample privilege 
As if still resident in England's self. 
We have not over-strayed. 

zuniga [The Spanish Ambassador.] 
For Spain my voice, you Majesty. 
I fear me of this tale. My Sovereign 
By long inheritance and the will of Rome 
Doth hold these shores in fee. . . .Our Florida. 

RALEIGH 

Not these, my lord. 

ZUNIGA 

Peace reigns, and shall reign 
Between our nations. Those are dangerous coasts, 
Where you have harbored. 

SIR FRANCIS DRAKE 

[stepping forward, with Howard, to a place beside 
Raleigh.'] 

We will make them safe, 
If 't please your Majesty. 

RALEIGH 

Peace reigns. I say no more. 

DRAKE 

Peace reigned 'twixt you 
And France when Ribaut fell, on those same shores 
With all his people — 

ZUNIGA 

They were trespassers. 
Those coasts are stormy. 

[ 13 ] 



DRAKE 

We know well the storm 
That clouds so black to southward even now — 
About where Cadiz lies, my lord 

THE QUEEN 

Peace, peace, Sir Francis. . . .Gentle Raleigh, say 
Is this your masque of ancient moonshine spun, 
Or bring you new discoveries? 

DRAKE 

Now damn the masque — but bring your Captains in — 
I pray your Majesty forgive me. 

THE QUEEN 

Forgive ? We echo you, Sir Francis. 

[Raleigh beckons to people of his group. Lord 
Burghley speaks to the Queen.'] 

BURGHLEY 

Is it well, your Majesty? — 

THE QUEEN 

We do believe so. 

[Amidas, Barloiu, and a few others come for- 
ward, bringing two Indians.'] 

Old sea-dogs these. We love to look on such. 

[The Captains kneel, the Indians remain stand- 
ing aloof and silent.] 

RALEIGH 

These be my Captains, Amidas and Barlow; 
But now returned from your new provinces. 

THE QUEEN 

Stand up, stout seamen. Give us now your tale. 

[ 14 ] 



AM1DAS 

Your Majesty, we are not used to speak in courts. 
Forgive our plainness. At Sir Walter's lay, 
We made sail westward. Touched the Canaries, 
And the Bermoothes. Then the main, well north 
O' the Spaniards' shambles— 

ZUNIGA 

Your Majesty will pardon me — 

THE QUEEN 

Go on. 

AMIDAS 

We found good harborage, and pleasant lands, 
Warm and well watered, forested and fertile; 
The grapes in bearing— ay, a fragrant shore, 
Wi' scarlet birds, and flowers all wild and rich; 
The people well disposed— These two we brought 
By consent of the King of the country. 

THE QUEEN 

The King? 

AMIDAS 

We called him so, your Majesty. 

THE QUEEN 

They do net bow the knee to us. 

AMIDAS 

Tis not their custom. 

THE QUEEN 

You should instruct them. 

AMIDAS 

Madam, we will. 

[She dismisses the Captains with a gesture.] 
[ 15 ] 



RALEIGH 

This is the land, your Majesty, where I 
Would plant my little England. 

SOUTHAMPTON 

[Who with a younger group, including Sandys 
and Shakespeare, has been listening eagerly. 
A moment, Majesty. 
If this — this golden land, this shore, this Eden, 
If it's to be, in the full round of time, 
A place for all who find our England burdensome, 
For those whose spirits need these scarlet wings 
To make them rise, and those whose hearts that rove 
Still backward look with love and loyalty, — 
Why, this were prophecy indeed. 

THE QUEEN 

So Raleigh said. 

Your Masque, Sir Walter, straight. 

[Raleigh nods to Shakespeare, ivho takes his 
station by the masque stage, and gives the sig- 
nal to begin. 

The Spirit of the New Land enters; she is 
dressed like the classical Iris, but wears a fea- 
thered Indian crown.'] 

What's she? 

RALEIGH 

The Spirit of the Virgin Land. 

\The Spirit beckons, and is surrounded by dan- 
cers bearing the riches of the new land — grapes 
and grain, feathered robe* and gold. 
Neptune now enters with his train of sea spirits 
bearing shells of pearls, and winged fish, and 
bright sen flowers .] 

[ 16 ] 



THE QUEEN 

Old Ocean loves her well. 

RALEIGH 

As we love him. 

[Neptune's people, having deposited their gifts, 
retire. 

From the other side of the stage comes a 
group, unmistakably Spaniards. They march 
in haughtily and the Spirit of the Land, in 
fright, sends off her maidens. The leader of 
the Spaniards tries to seize her, and catches 
at the great rope of pearls about her neck. She 
eludes him. He pursues.'] 

ZUNIGA 

Your majesty, I do protest — 

THE QUEEN 

I see not why. My lord, if we are pleased. 

[The Spirit of the Land beckons imperiously, 
and a group of Calibans, -figures of terror, wrath 
and pestilence, approach. They touch the 
Spanish leader, and he falls back in the arms 
of his followers. Stricken mysteriously, they 
slowly retire from view. The figures of terror 
disappear, and the rainbow spirit again beckons 
to her attendant nymphs. They circle around 
her a moment. She waits. Neptune returns, 
conducting an English group led by a figure of 
Gloriana — an idealized Elizabeth in half armor. 
With her comes an Enchanter — like Pros- 
pero. Neptune disappears. The Spirit of the 
land at first drawls away from the new comers, 
and beckons to the shapes of terror, who surge 

[ 17 ] 



around them. The Enchanter and Gloriana 
stand firm, he shielding her with his magic staff, 
which is presently seen to exercise control over 
them. The shapes of terror retire, amazed. The 
Enchanter steps forward and offers the Spirit 
his lamp of learning. She pauses, fascinated. 

THE QUEEN 

What's this? 

RALEIGH 

Light unto darkness, madam. 

[The Spirit takes the lamp, lifts it, and her 
dancing gift hearers re-appear, laying their of- 
ferings at Gloriana 's feet. The Spirit now 
comes forward and kneels at Gloriana's feet 
offering her crown.'] 

THE QUEEN 

And what means this? 

RALEIGH 

The new land's Spirit is 
To England her fifth crown, her youngest child. 

the queen [rising triumphantly,'] 
And England takes the crown, and christens her 
Virginia. 

[The Prologue vanishes] 



[ 18 ] 



The Colonv 

The Mage of the Tower 

[The Enchanter of the Prologue'] 

Folk of Virginia : forward from the hour 

When first Virginia's name rang clear, I cast 

My spells upon the night wind. What is Time, 

That he should master us? Or Memory, 

That she should set her finger to her lips 

And steal away. To-night my mystery 

Shall bring them both to serve you. I am Time 

And I am Memory. And I will make 

The mighty deeds and dreams that they have locked 

Into gray volumes of the prisoned past 

Flame forth anew; and you who yield your hearts 

Unto my spell shall see them as they march, 

Gilded with life and light: and century 

By century shall pass, and dream by dream. 

I. 

THE LANDING 

The stage must serve, at the outset, for all the land of 
Virginia. From the left, a mound or mole of earth ex- 
tends to the centre; beyond this knoll the land falls 
away; then rises again, heavily thicketed in places, to a 
bank; beyond this bank is a dark space — perhaps a river. 
As we watch this landscape rise out of night into dawn, 
our eyes are caught by moving lights, far off; under them 
the bulk of a small ship comes gradually into view; an- 
other, and another. These ships bear slowly toivard us, 
and the largest one slackens way, as if on our side of a 
broad stream. There is a clatter of anchor chains; in the 
growing light we see men swarming doivn the vessel's 

[ 19 ] 



sides. A moment later they re-appear, coming up over 
the bank, to the stage itself; first the company of the 
Sarah Constant, led by Captain Newport and Mr. Hunt; 
then that of the Discovery, led by Captain Ratcliffe; 
and, last that of the Goodspeed led by Captain Bartholo- 
mew Gosnold. As the men come ashore they seem to ex- 
perience a great relief — a joy in their deliverance from 
the toil and confinement of long voyages. They set up 
a cross, and gather around Captain Newport and Mr. 
Hunt, baring their heads reverently as the pastor speaks. 

robert hunt : Most gracious Lord, whose mercy is over 
all thy works : We praise thy holy Name that thou hast 
been pleased to conduct in safety, through the perils 
of the great deep, these thy serA-ants .... May 
they be duly sensible of thy merciful providence to- 
wards them, and ever express their thankfulness by a 
holy trust in thee and obedience to thy laws, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

[The men respond with a deep Amen; then, 

chanting,'] 
O come, let us give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gra- 
cious: and his mercy endureth forever. 
Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised: let the 
redeemed of the Lord say so: whom he hath de- 
livered from the merciless rage of the sea. 

[Mr. Hunt closes his book. Captain Newport 

steps forward."] 

newpobt: In the name of God, Amen. Now having so 
far performed my commission to bring you to this Vir- 
ginia, it is my further duty to lay before you the com- 
mands of his blessed Majesty King James by the grace 
of God. His commands are inclosed in this box, under 
the King's private seal. Which now, pursuant of mine 

[ 20 ] 



orders from the Council of the London Company, I 
break. 

[Captain Newport breaks the seal, and takes out 
a document, handing the box meanwhile to 
Captain Gosnold. He reads.'] 
To be of the Council of the plantation in Virginia : Mas- 
ter Edward Wing-field, Captain Bartholomew Gosnold, 
Captain John Smith — 

[There is an uproar among the settlers at the 
mention of this name, some resenting it and 
some cheering it. Captain Newport and Cap- 
tain Gosnold call them to order.] 
Captain John Rateliffe, Captain John Martin, Captain 
George Kendall. And to these your Council I will de- 
liver all other instructions, both those known to you al- 
ready and those unknown. But to begin you should choose 
your President for the first year of the plantation. 

[The jive Councillors draw apart to confer. 
George Percy approaches Captain Newport.] 

percy: Captain, is it just that the President be chosen 
by these five, and John Smith unconsidered among them ? 

Newport: That is matter for the Council, not for me, 
nor for you, Master Percy. 

ratcliffe: [The Council group opening,] For President 
we have made choice of Master Wingfield. 

[There is a polite cheer at the announcement.] 

Newport: So be it. To Master Wingfield I deliver all 
matters in my charge for the Council of the Colony. 

gosnold: Stay, Captain Newport. There were other 
instructions — the river to be searched, so far as it be 
navigable, before the place of plantation to be chosen. 

[ 21 ] 



wingfield: It can be done as well after. They that 

writ that instruction knew nothing of the weariness and 

peril of long voyages. 

gosnold : Mean you this place for our settlement ? 

wingfield : Aye. 

Newport: This place will serve. The landing is good. 

gosnold : It is too low. These marshes may breed fever. 
I like it not. 

archer: Nor I. Yonder point by the little bay were 
better. 

wingfield : Are you of the Council, Captain Archer? 

archer : Nay, but what matter ? 

wingfield: A great matter. These things be for the 
Council to decide. 

percy: Let be, Archer. John Smith is of the Council 
too — and his word goes for less than yours or mine. Yet 
is he a soldier of great name and repute. 

Newport: Master President, for the choosing of the 
seat of your town, I speak not. But for Captain Smith, 
his case must now be in your hands, not mine. [He 
turns to one of his ship's office?*s.~\ Bring Captain 
Smith ashore. 

wixgfteld: Nay, Captain Newport, I protest. Let 
him be sent back to London to answer the charges against 
him. 

xkwport: No. I will not transport back one of the 

Council, except by action of the Council, legally taken. 

[Ratcliffe, Wingfield and Martin confer hastily. 

[ 2* ] 



Smith, in chains, is bought ashore. He listens 
in silence to what follows, but his bearing is 
proud in proclamation of his innocence.'] 

Newport : Captain Smith, be it known to you that your 
name is among that list of them appointed to be Council- 
lors of this Colony. I surrender }^our body to the Coun- 
cil. 

[An angry murmur from the settlers.] 

wingfield: Nought shall be done illegally. Yet shall 
nought be done in haste, to be regretted after. We are 
new come to this land. We have need for harmony and 
obedience, all men laboring for the common good. This 
John Smith hath contrived of mutiny and sedition 
amongst you. He hath confederated men in all the 
ships to strike for the leadership of the colony — 

[There are shouts of "Your proof?" "Witnes- 
ses!" "A jury!"] 
And to testify to this at the proper time, witnesses will 
be brought. He thinketh himself above and superior to 
us, and — 

perct: [interrupting^] Doth he wear chains for that? 
It's youth, man ! 

wingfield : In good time all things shall be known. We 
make now these present statements that men may see 
why a seat in the Council is denied, and shall be denied, 
to this John Smith. Take him hence. 

Newport : Not to my ship. He must remain in your keep- 
ing, Master President. 

wingfield: As you wish, Captain Newport. 

percy: We shall need him, yet. 

Newport: So, Master President — to our duties. You 

[ 23 ] 



have settled upon this spot, and here you bid us unlade 
my ship? 

wingfield: Aye, and in accord with our instructions, 
and, God willing, with our loyal hearts, we here name 
this city we are to build, and this river where it shall 
stand, for his Sovereign Majesty — that they shall here- 
after be called James, his City, and the river, the James. 

the settlers: [loyally, ~\ Aye, James. 

Newport : Good, Master President. Now by your leave 
I will take the pinnace to go further up this river James. 
Choose you those of your company to be sent with me. 

wingfield : I pray Captain Gosnold to make the choice, 
remembering the peril of the service. 

gosnold: To go up the river and explore how far it be 
navigable, and to search out and discover its shores, these 
gentlemen: Master Percy, Captain Archer, Master 
Brookes, Master Doctor Wotton, and of the lesser sort, a 
dozen of you. Does this suffice, Captain Newport? 

john smith : Captain Gosnold, since it is given you to 
choose, be it known to you that I stand ready. 

Newport: I would be glad of his arm. [He turns to 
Wingfield, loho hesitates.] 

wingfield : I do not know — 

smith: My arm is as ready for the oar as the sword. 
Set me to work. 

gosnold: Aye, go, in God's name. 

w t ingfield : Loose his irons. 

[Smith is freed and joins Captain Newport.'] 

[ 24 ] 



Newport : Let your prayers follow us, Master President, 
for great discoveries may lie before us. Gold, mayhap, 
or the way to the South Sea. Who knows ! Come, my 
hearties. 

[Captain Newport leads his detachment off 
down the bank. Captain Kendall approaches 
Wing field.'] 

kexdall: Master President, I have made note of this 
island where we stand and its aptness for defense. When 
the tide is high, the swamp yonder is flooded. A bastion 
at the neck would serve against attack from the main land 
and from the river as well. 

wingfield: I trust we shall have no need of bastions, 
Captain Kendall. 

kendall : No need for a fort, Master President ! How 
shall we defend ourselves if the Indians mislike us? 

wingfield : We must so bear ourselves that they will be 
our friends. And to fortify our town — surely that will 
look to them unfriendly. 

kexdall: This is folly, Wingfield. Let me have men, 
and I will set the bastion. 

wingfield : There is need for every man to work at the 
unlading, and to clear for planting; you know how late 
in the year it is already. 

kendall: You will not give me men? 

wingfield: Not now. 

kendall: Then with such of the gentlemen as will join 
me, I will go to the work myself. 

wingfield: Captain Kendall, you are of the Council 
- . . . I pass over your words. But see to it that 

[ 25 J 



you dissemble your bastion, that it may not offend the 
Indians. 

gosnold : [coining to Wing field on the other side,] As I 
feared, the place is damp, and hot as Tophet. Look yon- 
der. 

[He indicates some of the men who were sent to 
unload the ship; they are already weary, and 
lean on the hales they should be carrying.'] 

wingfield : The Council must see that this sloth is pun- 
ished. 

cosnold : Sloth ! God grant we be alive when winter 
falls. 

[From the mound, and the toiling men, the light 

fades slowly.] 

The Mage of the Tower 

Ere, the year turn, the winter stars arise, 

Of these three men, Wingfield the President 

Shall be deposed, the sea-worn Gosnold dead, 

And Kendall slain for plotted mutiny. 

So dark falls Fate upon these three. And Smith 

Adventures on strange trails and perilous. Behold ! 



[ 26 



II 

SMITH'S ADVENTURE 

The light glows sharply on a remote spot at the extreme 
right of the stage; from the same point come sudden 
yells, and a pistol shot. There is a rush of red painted 
bodies; the rush breaks and divides, disclosing Smith, his 
Indian guide bound to his left arm, surrounded by 
OpechancanougK's tuarriors. A flight of arrows is 
seen around him, and a dead Indian is stretched at his 
feet. He fires his last pistol, and baching toward the 
bank, sinks deeply into a quagmire. The attack pauses 
for an instant. 

The language of the scene from this point is mainly from 
the vocabulary of Indian words given by Captain Smith 
in his "Voyages and Discoveries" 

smith: Wingapoh. Nettopew. [Peace, friends.] 

opechancanough : [Pointing to the dead warrior.] 
Maskapow ! Uttasanta sough ! [Enemy — Englishman.] 
[With a quick movement, Smith cuts loose his 
guide and draws his sword. The Indian slips 
away from him. Smith struggles in the quag- 
mire; the warriors set neio arrows to their bow- 
strings.] 

Smith: What use to fight on? You have me. 

[He throws away his sword. The warriors, with 
a yell, close in and drag him out to solid ground 
again. He speaks appealingly .] 

Nettopew ! Mawchick Chammay ! [Friends — my best of 
friends.] 

[ 27 ] 



opechaxcaxough: Maskapow. Righcomoughes ! [Ene- 
my. Death.] 

smith: I understand. Death, you say. 

opechaxcaxough: Attonce ! [Arrows.'] 
[The braves draw their bows.] 

smith; God be my shield. 

[He draws himself up, as erect and stoical as his 
opponent. Opechancanough raises his axe. as if 
to delay the fatal signal.] 

opechaxcaxough: Nemaro ! [A man!] 

[Smith's hand fumbles an instant at his throat, 
and touches the cord on which his pocket com- 
pass hangs. He takes out the compass and holds 
it out to Opechancanough, smiling.] 

smith : Magic, nettopew, my friend. Look you. 

[The Indian comes forward and looks at the com- 
pass. Smith turns it slowly around. The chief 
looks in fixed surprise.] 

Compass. 

[Again he turns it; two other Indians creep up 
to look. They try to touch the needle through 
the glass.] 

Magic. It can't be made to turn. No, you can't touch 

the needle. Glass. Try it? It points the way of the 

sun, Keskowghe — at mid- day. 

[O pechancanough reaches for it, then draws back 
his hand. Smith smiles and offers it. The chief 
snatches it, and draws back, crying^] 

opechaxcaxough : Uttasantasough — righcomoughe ! 

[Englishman, death!] 

[At the words, the warriors seize Smith and 
drag him down to the tree at the extreme right. 

r 2S l 



They tie him there, and stand off with bows bent 
and arrows leveled. An Old Warrior approach- 
es pechancanough.] 

the old warrior : Ka Kalorawincs Yowo ? Quiyough- 
cosough? [What is he — a manitou?] 

[0 pechancanough holds up the compass with a 

loud grunt and an order.'] 

opechancanough : Kekughe ! Utteke Powhatan, Wero- 

wocomoco. [Live. Go quickly to Powhatan at Werowo- 

comoco.~] 

They untie Smith from the tree and fall into or- 
der for the trail — warriors leading, carrying 
Smith's sword, pistols, and cloak. Then Smith 
and his guards,' then more ivarriors.tvith arrows 
on the string; then pechancanough with the 
compass, followed by the rest of the war party. 
They make their way across to the extreme left, 
where we now observe that the front of Poiu- 
hatarts lodge at W erotvocomoco is visible, and 
outside of it some of his women at work. 

The children of the village crowd out to see the 
new comers; among them come Pocahontas and 
Nantaquas, ivho approach the captive with 
frank curiosity. pechancanough speaks apart 
with Rawhunt, while Smith makes friends with 
the children^] 

smith: "VVingapoh, nettopew, my children. 

pocahontas : Wingapoh, uttasantasough. 

smith : Good words, my child, but can you not say it — 
Englishman ? 

pocahontas: EnglisYnan? [She laughs.] 

[ 29 ] 



smith: So, little maid — good. 

[I 1 he other children flock about, picking at his 
garments. She stands somewhat aloof. 

Poor picking is left on me, my children. Still, I must 

have something. 

[He reaches into the pocket of his breeches, and 
brings out some beads and bits of copper.'] 

All I have, children. 

[He scatters them. Pocahontas does not come 
forward,- he selects a little string of bright beads 
and goes over to her, putting it about her neck. 
She is evidently delighted.'] 

pocahontas : Englishman ? 

smith: Captain Smith, at your service, my child. 

pocahontas : Captain Smifi' ? Good. 

[From the lodge comes a sound of drums; the 
Indians form to receive Powhatan, who comes 
in, very stately, and takes his seat under the can- 
opy of the lodge. Smith is set forward, be- 
fore the chief, and the others fall back, leav- 
ing him isolated. Food is brought to him, but 
he can not eat. The Indians sit, all but Opechan- 
canough and one other, ivho rises and makes 
an oration against Smith, threatening him with 
his hatchet. At a sign from Poichatan, certain 
braves interpose to protect the prisoner. Smith 
shivers as they draw off again, and an Indian 
brings his cloak to him. Poivhatan after a mo- 
ments silence, delivers judgment.] 

powhatan : Shacquohocan. Righcomoughe [A stone. 

Death.] 

[Instantly four warriors bring forward a great 
boulder. Smith's head is forcibly laid upon it, 
[ -60 ] 



and four others step forward with clubs upraised, 
waiting for Powhatan's word. Pocahontas, with 
childish gravity, steps forward between Powha- 
tan and the stone of execution.'] 

pocahontas : Neer saw-wehone. Uttasantasough maw- 
chick chammay Pocahontas. 

[No blood. Englishman good friend to Poca- 
hontas.'] 

[The warriors around Opechancanough rise an- 
grily, with grunts and smothered shouts. Pow- 
hatan sits gloomily. The child crouches over 
Smith, taking his head in her arms.] 

powhatan : [sternly] Matoaka ! 

pocahontas: [persisting,] Uttasantasough mawchick 

chammay. 

[She then utters a formula, speaking for the 
adoption of the prisoner into the tribe. All the 
Indians listen attentively for Poiohatan's an- 
swer. He takes from Raw hunt a pipe, puffs 
it three times, and passes it, by Raw hunt, to the 
prisoner. The guards at once release him.] 

rawhunt: Mawchick chammay. Friends. Brother, 

now. 

[Powhatan rises and goes into the lodge. The 
circle breaks up and leaves Smith still further 
isolated. Pocahontas takes his hand and lays it 
on her own head.] 

pocahontas: Child, Englishman? 

smith: Yes, my child — God bless you. 

pocahontas: Capitan Smiff? 

[Then she points to herself.] 

r 31 l 



Child? 

{Then she points to him, inquiringly.'] 

smith : Father ? 

pocahontas: Capitan Smiff — father. Matoaka — Poca- 
hontas, child. Good. 

[She leaves him as a group of protests in cere- 
monial paint come out of the lodge. They set 
him before the fire, and make the circle of meal 
around him, chanting, to the beat of rattles and 
drums. Then Rawhunt comes and cuts from 
the right side of his head a lock of hair, which he 
burns. Poichatan, now in ceremonial paint, re- 
enters from the lodge, steps into the circle, and, 
takes Smith's hand, signing to the four quarters 
of the heavens. He drops back, and Rawhunt, 
standing by Powhatan, translates his instructions 
to him. The boy Nantaquas stands by his fa- 
ther.] 

rawhunt : Powhatan say Captain Smith now son. Like 
son Nantaquas. 

[Nantaquas steps forward, \ 

Uttasantasough, Captain Smith go now. Bring Powhatan 

ningh pawcussacks. Great guns, Bourn, bourn ! bring 

Powhatan pamesack shacquehocan. Knife stone. Come. 

[Rawhunt and a group of braves step forward* 

set Smith in their file, and march out with him. 

Opechancanough, with a g? v u?it of rage, turns 

away. Powhatan smiles craftily, and pausing 

thoughtfully as he icalks, goes into his lodge. 

Pocahontas and Nantaquas stand looking after 

Smith; then the boy follows his father off, and, 

only the little maid remains, playing with her 

beads. The light fades from the forward zone.] 

[ 32 ] 



The Mage of the Tower 

The Winter falls. The squirrel's hoard rims low; 
The deer grow lean, and paw with eager feet 
Along the icy streams for wind-dried grass ; 
The red folk in their matted lodges drowse 
While their swift hunters range the farthest hills; 
And here, where the corn fails, and no ships come. 
The bare sharp tooth of hunger gnaws the heart. 

III. 

THE STARVING TIME 

In the cold light of morning, the men of Jamestown gath- 
er at the doorway of the store-house, each with his cup 
for corn. The Gape-Merchant stands before the door, his 
keys in his hand, and guards ivith muskets left and right. 
Down at the other side of the stage, a dim fire burns under 
a great kettle. The voices of the hungry people rise to 
an angry shout around the Cape-Merchant, and words are 
now and then audible : 

the crowd : Open the door. 

Kations — if you call 'em that. 

What use — the Company's in London — 

I would they were in Hell. 

Food, Master Cape-Merchant, 

Aye — we must eat, 

Corn, for God's love, if there's nought else, give us corn. 

There be private stores for some — 

We're starving, sir. Open the door. 

[ 33 ] 



Now the Pastor's dead, God never hears us. . . 

It's the hour. 

It's past the hour — give us our share. Corn, corn! 

the cape-merchant: Stand off, all of you. To-day the 
stores will not be opened. 

the crowd: Not opened; no food to-day: why— why ! 

the cape-merchant: There is no corn. 

first settler: No corn. Dare you tell us there is no 

corn ? 

second settler: Let us see that for ourselves. Open the 
door. 

the cape-merchant : I will not open. There is no corn. 
The stores have nought but copper and toys for trade. IT1 
not have ye trample them. 

third settler: AYhat hope is there, if the stores are 
empty ? 

the cape-merchant: We hope the Indians may bring 
in corn to trade. 

[The crotod shouts in scornful derision.] 
Be nuiet ! Disperse. 

{They surge around him, shouting.'] 
I will call on the President. It is no fault of mine. Dis- 
perse. 

[Tucker and his fishermen come up from the 

river, their sodden nets over their shoulders, their 

steps dragging hopelessh/. their hands empty. 

Part of the crowd leaves the store houst to 

crowd around the neio comers.'] 

ii cker: Be silent! We can draw the nets no longer: 
give us place by the (ire. No, no! We have caught no- 
thing. 

[ 34 ] 



first settler: The President — he shall answer us for 
this ! 

second settler : Aye, the President. Ho, Master Percy ! 
{They crowd toward Master Percy, who enters 
and goes up by the store-house door.} 

third settler: Master President, is it by your order 
that the Cape-Merchant denies us corn? 

first settler: If it be, look to it — 

Percy: My friends, it is not my will that the doors are 
closed, but only because the stores are gone. 

second settler: Say to us, Master President, what we 
may look for. Are there ships hither bound ? Does the 
Company do nothing for us ? 

first settler : Aj^e, an we had the Company's Treasurer 
here, he should go in the common kettle, aye, with his 
velvet coat on his back and his gold chain round his neck. 

percy: You talk foolishly, friend. For supply ships, 
I do hope as ardently as you, but I know nothing for cer- 
tain. Only this: if you hunger, you must find food as 
best you can. I have none. 

[An angry murmur rises at the words. ,] 

first settler: Hoav shall we find food? 

percy : Take yonder boat— a score of you, and trade with 
the savages; the trading stock is aboard already. 

second settler: We will not; Captain Ratcliffe tried, 
and their women tortured him to his death, and all his 
company were killed in the venture. We will not go. 

percy: What would you then? 

[ 35 ] 



a woman in the crowd: We are cold and hungry. My 
child died of the cold. 

percy : That you are hungry, I can not help. But for 
the cold, go you and cut firewood. 

third settler: Why should we expose ourselves to the 
arrows in the woods? The houses of them that have 
died will give us wood enough. 

tercy: So you pull down your town upon yourselves, 
and the Indians see your misery. Fools — fools! 

[A ne iv group enters, bringing a man in custody.'] 

fourth settler: [of the new groups Master President, 
here is one who well sustains himself, yet doth no work. 
We have watched, and we know him for an abomination 
amongst us — an eater of human flesh. 

\Tle first group draws off from the accused.] 

percy: Aye, an abomination. God knows how many 
amongst us shall be abominable, before He sends relief. 

a pale-faced lad [hysterically^] I came out to this plan- 
tation because it was for the glory of England. . . .ha ! 
. . . .and the kingdom of God. 

fourth settler: What shall be done, Master President? 

percy : [To the accused,]Is this charge true? 

the accused one: It was an Indian — shot and frozen. 
I am not bound to die of hunger. . . .No man is. 

the woman : We buried our child who died in secret. 
There be some — abominations — 

percy: An Indian, you say — 

the accused one: Yes, 3^es — an Indian. One that fell 
by the run beyond the glass house — 

[ 36 ] 



Tin: fourth pxttleb: He lies. Master President. It av a s 
not an Indian. We have found — ah. . . .1 can't say it. He 
said she wandered into the woods and never came back. 
He lied. . . . 

[A cry of suppressed horror runs through the 

(/roup.] 
What is the law? 

perct : [sternly^] He should die by fire. 

the pale-faced lad : [wildly, ] Now will ye cut wood? 
The lire burns low, does it ? I'll give it something to make 
it blaze. I brought it from England — God's book — see ! 

| He tears whole sections out of his Bible and 

throws them on the fire — then the rest of the 

book.\ 
God's book — there's no God in Heaven — no God in this 
Virginia ! 

[He flings himself on the ground.'] 

tercy : Take him apart. Let him be chained. 

[A look-out by the shore cries out listlessly.] 

the lookout: Two sail; close in. 

[The group moves slowly toward the shore, and 
stands gazing as the Lookout comes down to 
President Percy.] 

the lookout: They be hardly ships at all, but rough 
hewn pinnaces, of red cedar wood. 

percy: [feebly,] What flags do they show? 

the lookout: None, but they be English; I could hear 

their voices. See now. 

[Up the bank comes a strange and ragged crew, 
haggard and bearded — the men of the "Sea Ven- 
ture" wreck. Leading them, Sir Thomas Gates 

[ 37 ] 



and Sir George Somers, with Mr. Buck, and Cap- 
tain Newport.] 

Newport : In God's name, can this be Jamestown ! Who 
commands here? 

percy: I. George Percy. 

Newport: George Percy — you? I wouldn't ha' known 
ye, man. Here's His Excellency the Governor, Sir 
Thomas Gates. 

percy: I salute His Excellency. Thank God you've 

come, sir. 

[The slowly moving Jamestown crowd now 
creeps forward, a rising murmur among them, 
in which words can at length he distinguished.] 

the crowd: Bring ye food? Supplies? Corn? We be 
starving here. Food? What bring ye? We be more 
dead than living. Why did ye come? Food — food — 

gates: Will ye be silent! Master Percy, we have been 
saved from the wreck of the sea by a miracle. We have 
scant supplies, but such as we have shall be equitably di- 
vided — 

[There is a sharp murmur from the crowd,] in good 
time. Meanwhile take us into your house that we may 
consider how we shall deal with what we have. 

percy : That will not take long, Your Excellency. 

[The chief officers go into Percy's house. The 
Cape-Merchant plucks Newport by tlie sleeve, 
and he stays.] 

the cape-merchant: Captain Newport, how comes His 
Excellency here in this guise? 

Newport: As he said, by miracle. These men be those 

[ 38 ] 



of the stout Admiral ship, the Sea Venture. She was 
wrecked in a hurricano on the Somer Islands. Nin^ 
months we have sta}^ed there, and yon two ships we built 
with our own hands, out of the w T reck, and of cedars we 
cut on the islands. Isle of devils, they call it; but bet- 
ter than ye do here, I fancy. Has no supply come? 

the cape-merchant : None. Our people are starving. 

Newport: There were eight ships sailed witli us. 

the cape-merchant: Seven came in. 

Newport: Seven sail. How many are you here? 

the cape-merchant: We Avere nigh five hundred when 
the last ships left us, in October. We are some sixty noAv. 

XEwroRT: What have ye done? Deserted, fallen in 
tight, died? 

the cape-merchant: All these things. We have held 
the land 1 for the London Company — God forgive them. 
And for England. 

[Gates, Somer s and Percy come out. The hell h 

rung, and the people gather.'] 

gates : First, my commission. 

perct : Your Excellency, I have seen it. None questions 
it. 

gates: Very well. Be it know T n to you then, that I have 
examined into the affairs of the plantation. We have 
come from shipwreck, unsupplied. We can share our 
food with them that are here, but it will not long suffice. 
Wherefore we have decided that the plantation shall be 
abandoned. We have not food for the voyage. But an 
Ave sail the northern Avay, Ave can procure fish enough to 

r 39 i 



stay us from death. Take what }^ou will into our ships, 
and on the roll of the drums, set forward. 

[The people start off, scattering, to get their 

little belongings. ] 

tfrcy : What of the ordnance ? 

gates: Let it be buried in the bastion. 

the first settler : Excellency, lest the savages our ene- 
mies exult over it, give us leave to set fire to the town. 
[A murmur of approval at the suggestion.'] 
[Some of the men take up fire -brands.] 

gates : No. No fires. I forbid them. 

[The drum begins a slow long roll, and the peo- 
ple go down the bank at the back; George Percy 
pauses for an instant on the bank, icith Gates; 
then they too follow. For the moment the stage 
is clear, and darkens slowly. 
Then, glimmering into sudden light beyond, a 
great ship's carved and gilded prow; and from 
her side, the flash and roar of a cannon. 
The people troop wondering! y up the bank again. 
Over the bank, in velvets and lace and plumes, 
stately and magnificent, Lord Delaware and his 
company enter. He falls on his knees, all who 
are with Mm doing the same, and remains a mo- 
ment in prayer. Then he steps forward, and 
Sir Thomas Gates drops on his knee in saluti . 

lord DLL i ware : Folk of this plantation. I have heard, in 
coming up the river, of your condition. I intend, God 
willing, to continue this colony. I have heard of your suf- 
ferings, and of your factions. Both these shall end. 
For your vanities and idleness, you must amend them, 
lest I be compelled to draw the sword of justice to cut off 

[ 40 ] 



such delinquents; which I had liefer draw to defend you 
from your enemies. My ships are well supplied. Set you 
each man to his work, and your plantation, and this glori- 
ous venture, shall not fail. 

[The people cheer heartily; 
[Master Buck steps forward and opens his pray- 
er-book; all kneel as the scene disappears, a/nd a 
hymn of rejoicing goes up.] 

Tile Mage of the Tower 

So passed the darkest hour. . . .Stern Governors 

Laid on the land their will. The colony 

Creeps from this marsh-bound island, up the stream 

Plantation by plantation, and men mark 

Here, where the river falls, a town, in vision, 

That shall at last inherit all : a city 

Dream-like upon these hills : a name : a dream 

That waits. . . .But look — the joyous clays of Spring 

See here the little maid who saved the town 

Time after time in the first bitter years 

Wooed, won and wed, to make a living link 

Between the red folk and her Englishmen — 

A link of peace, that while she lived, held firm. 

IV. 

THE MARRIAGE OF POCAHONTAS 

The entire scene is in pantomime. 

The stage represents the Church at Jamestown. It 
is very simple, and one is more conscious of the people 
assembled than of the place. Green garlands, hanging 
between poles ichich are held by some of the young men, 
serve to mark off the space. 

[ 41 ] 



Sir Thomas Gates enters ivith his little retinue, and 
takes a place near the font. With the Deputy Governor, 
George Percy, and Captain Argcdl, who had brought in 
Pocahontas as a captive. 
Mr. W hittaker comes next. 

Then Pocahontas, led by the four ladies of the settlement. 
/She goes forward alone to the font, is baptized, and turns, 
as if looking for someone. 

John Rolfe steps fomoard and takes her hand. /Still she 
stands waiting. 

The eyes of all the people turn with hers. At the 
other end of the church, for the first time, they see Opach- 
isco, an old and dignified brother of Powhatan, in full 
council dress; toith him Nantaquas and another of Pow- 
hatan's sons. 

Pocahontas moves toward them, leading Rolfe by the 
hand. Nantaquas steps forward, first; then the others, 
saluting Rolfe gravely. 

Pocahontas stands before Opachisco, who puts about her 
neck a great chain of wampum; Rolfe, in his turn, pre- 
sents a gift to Opachisco. 

Sir Thomas Gates now steps forward and adds his gift* 
to the Indians. 

Rolfe leads her back to Mr. W hittaker; they are married; 
and turning to face the congregation, find it full of joy- 
ous faces; even Opachisco and his retinue lose for the mo- 
ment their accustomed severity; and the old* chief clasps 
the hand of Sir Thomas Gates warmly. 
The Indians, first touching the bride kindly and cere- 
moniously, depart. 

The Uuh with the garlands lift them, to set free the peo- 
ple ranged behind them, and Rolfe and his bride are ac- 
companied out of the little church by a crowd that breaks 
into cheers as the light fades from the festal scene. 

\ 42 I 



The Mage of the Tower 

Now in the councils of the Company, 
In London, new men take the helm — new pilots 
Visioning far across the years. These men, 
More greatly friends to freedom and to justice 
Than subjects unto James the King, have writ 
A Charter for the Colony, a w T ise, grave scroll 
Of laws more free than Raleigh dared, and filled 
With this land's mighty future. Honor them: 
Southampton, Shakespeare's friend ; Ferrar ; 
And more than these, Sir Edwin Sandys, a seer- 
Dreamer of Liberties. . . .And mark the day, 
Three hundred years and three ago, with gold, 
When tirst Democracy, in this new world 
Lighted her fires and called unto her hearth 
The chosen voices of the people's will. 

V. 

THE FIRST ASSEMBLY 

Jamestown, inside the church. A simple dais, where 
Governor Yeardley sits. Before kirn, and below, the 
Speaker, John Pory; and at his side the Secretary, John 
Twine, and the Reverend Richard Buck; the Sergeant at 
Arms, Thomas Pierce, standing; then the members of 
the Council; and below, facing the Speaker, the Burgess- 
es; of these, when the scene opens, there seem to be 
twenty -two, as the Ward^s and Martin's Brandon repre- 
sentatives have presented themselves. 

governor yeardley : Honorable Councillors and worthy 
Burgesses of Virginia: I have called you together at 

[ 43 ] 



the order of the London Company, and in accord with the 
Charter granted to them by His Majesty. You who are 
Burgesses, elected by your own plantations and hundreds, 
come now to sit here as in Parliament. This is not as it 
has been in the past. The London Company is not of the 
same mind as it was in Sir Thomas Smith's Treasurer- 
ship. New men have come into power — my lord the Earl 
of Southampton, and Sir Edwin Sandys. 

[The Burgesses applaud the name of Southamp- 
ton, and cheer that of Sandys.'] 
They, and their friends who have adventured with them, 
set not their hearts to immediate profit, but to the per- 
manency of the Plantation, to justice and freedom, that 
we may make this land another England, and our home. 
. . . .And since men's affairs do little prosper where God's 
service is neglected, do you give heed to Master Buck. 

MB. buck : {leading them in prayer,] O God, our Heav- 
enly Father, we beseech thee to be with this Assembly. 
Save us from error, ignorance, pride and prejudice, and 
of thy great mercy direct and sanctify our proceedings to 
thine own glory and to the good of this plantation. 
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

{The Burgesses and Councillors respond.'] 

t7e speaker: [Mr. Pory.] And now, as we have begun 
in respect to God, so that we may proceed in respect to 
the King, let each man here take the Oath of Supremacy. 

captain powell : Is this by the terms of the Charter ? 

the speaker: Aye. 

captain powell: Well, we'll not stagger at it. 
[The Burgesses stand.] 

the speaker: You do swear. . . .that you do hold and 
declare that no foreign prince person prelate state or po- 

[ 44 ] 



ate hath or ought to have any jurisdiction, power 
superiority preeminence or authority ecclesiastical or 
spiritual within this realm. 

the burgesses: We do swear. 

the speaker: Your Excellency, we do certify to you 
that these men be true and loyal subjects to the King, 
and that they have met here in full accordance w 7 ith your 
summons, and are duly chosen and elected by their re- 
spective Hundreds and Plantations. 

governor yeardley: Before you proceed further, it be- 
hooves you to examine whether it is fit that the Burgess- 
es from Captain Martin's Plantation have any place in 
this Assembly. 

thomas davis : [Rising, icith Robert Stacy ^ What 
means this, your Excellency — 

Governor yeardley: [continuing^ For as much as Cap- 
tain Martin hath a clause in his Patent, which doth ex- 
empt him from the equal and uniform laws which, the 
great Charter says, must govern the whole Colony, and 
which may exempt his people from obedience to the laws 
Ave make in this Assembly. 

[There is a stir among the Burgesses; some rise.] 

captain powell : Mr. Speaker, may Ave ha\ T e knowledge 
of this clause from His Excellency? 

governor yeardlet : The clause is this : that it shall be 
lawful for the said Captain John Martin, his heirs and 
assigns, to command all such persons as he shall carry 
over Avith him, free from any command of the Colony, 
except it be in aiding and assisting the said Colony 
against a foreign or domestical enemy. 

[ 45 ] 



the speaker : That means they may obey or deride our 
laws, as they choose. 

thomas graves : Mr. Speaker, it may be these Burgesses, 
and Captain Martin himself, will quit or give over this 
part of the Patent, for the sake of equal and uniform 
government in the Colony. 

thomas davis : Mr. Speaker, we may not yield or give 
over, nor do we believe that Captain Martin will yield. 

governor yeardley : I believe with you that he will not 
give over. But this must come to some clear end. I have 
had complaints of Captain Martin's people from the 
chief Opechancanough. The Colony must know if they 
are to be obedient to the Charter or not. 

captain powell: I move you, Mr. Speaker, that Cap- 
tain Martin be summoned to the bar of this Assembly. 
the speaker: You have heard the motion. 
the burgesses: Aye. 
the speaker: Noes? The Ayes have it. 

thomas graves : And meanwhile, I move you, Mr. Speak- 
er, that Captain Martin's Burgesses be directed to with- 
draw themselves from this Assembly. 

thomas davis : We do object, Mr. Speaker. It is our 
privilege — 

captain powell: Here is no matter of privilege, Mr. 
Speaker, but of right. 

the speaker : You have heard the motion. 

the burgesses : Aye. 

the speaker: Noes?— The Ayes have it. Mr. Sergeant 
at Arms, the Assembly directs that they who were elected 

[ 46 ] 



from Martin's Brandon absent themselves until such 
time as Captain Martin has made personal appearance 
before us, and yielded up this clause in his Patent. 

[Davis and Stacey bow to the Governor and the 

Speaker, and go out.'] 

governor yeardley: To certain of you have been com- 
mitted the reading of the new book of laws. What do ye 
find? 

Captain powell: We have Avell and carefully read the 
book, and find such perfection that we could find nothing 
therein to except to. 

the speaker : That there remain no scruple in the mind 
of the Assembly touching the great book of laws, it is 
the pleasure of His Excellency that the same be put to 
the vote of the Assembly. 

captain lawne i As one who hath been charged with the 
commission of reading the new laws, I move you. Mr. 
Speaker, that the Assembly do submissively return its 
thanks to Almighty God therefore; that Ave command the 
Speaker to convey our due and humble gratitude to the 
Treasurer, Council and Company, as in the names of the 
whole Colony whom Ave here represent. 

the speaker, : You have heard the motion. 

THE BURGESSES '. Aye. 

the speaker: Noes? The Ayes have it. 

governor yeardley: So be it. You have considered 
the book of laws, and your own rights. Do you now, at 
your pleasure, consider what of the instructions given to 
me, and to your precedent GoA T ernors, shall be put in the 
habit of laws; what petitions shall be sent to England; 

[ 47 ] 



and what new laws shall issue out of your own minds 
and conceits. For ye be here gathered to set down the 
justice under which we all shall live, hereafter. 

[The lights fade and the Assembly disappears.] 

The Mage of the Tower 

Here was the hour — the iirst, the mighty hour 
That Established on this soil the rights of men 
To meet and choose, determine and resolve, 
And so at length to govern, by consent. 
And by consent alone. And from this meeting 
Have grown all congresses and states, 
All government. . .for our America. 

And turn we now to other days, some bright, 

Like that when those courageous maids, home-makers, 

Landed on Jamestown wharf; some dark, 

Like that when the swift savage axe 

Flashed in the fire-light, treacherous, and fell, 

And all the far plantations shook with death. 

VI. 

THE COMING OF THE MAIDS 

The entire scene is ine. A ship is in the offing; 

the men of the colon>/ are all crowded on the short . I 
watch the arrival of the Home-Makers, 
f'p from the river they come, by tiro*, a sea-captain or 
tiro alongside of the minister who comes ahead of them. 
The Governor an'/ his r >>>n, r >I enter and stand with un- 
covered heads, saluting th< maids as they pass. They 

[ 48 ] 



move around the stage in a great circle as the bell of the 
little church rings joyously. Then it ceases, and a pipe 
and drum take up a country dance tunc; instantly the 
line is broken up by the swarming young men, and out of 
a moment's wild, laughing confusion, a new line is for fri- 
ed — that of a great long-ways dance. The pipe and 
drum keep up the tune, and the dance goes on; but one 
by one, couples drop) out of it. and the men who have 
found their maids troop off to Master Piersey, the Cape- 
Merchant, with their bundles of tobacco, and from him to 
the nearest parson, haling their witnesses along with 
them. 

At the final figure of the dance, as they who are left danc- 
ing lead forward toward the Governor, the scene disap- 
pears. 

VII 

THE MASSACRE 

': 
In the distant zone at the right, a fire flares up 
swiftly; against it the wildly gesticulating silhouettes of 
the tvar dance, and from it the insistent beating of the 
war drums. Opecheincanough stands by the fire; for an 
instant the dance pauses, and his voice is heard. 

opechancanough : Uttasaiitasough maskapow. Xecut 
keskowghe. Righcomoughes. Kill — kill. All English- 
men — kill. They kill Jack-of-the Feather. Maskapow. 
Kill all. 

[The dance circles again, the tear drums beat- 
ing. A young Indian, Chanco, leaves the circle 
and starts to creep away. He is seen, and a 
brave tries to stop him, striking at him with his 
axe; he knocks the brave down and runs into the 

\ 49 ] 



darkness. The drums cease a moment later, the 

fire is trodden out, and the war hand divides and 

disappears. 

Down at the left, Chanco comes knocking at 

Richard Pacers door. Pace, lantern in hand, 

opens it, sees Chanco, and greets him kindly.'] 

pace : Come in. Chanco. Where have ye been, lad ? Ye've 
missed prayer time. 

chanco : Master — Opechaneanough the war chief — 

pace: What about him, lad? 

chanco: He has called our people to the war trail. 
He raises the hatchet against the English to-day. 

pace: This is foolish talk, Chanco. Opechaneanough 
said only last month that the skies will fall before the 
peace is broken. 

chanco: Chanco does not talk light talk, master. See. 

[He shows his arm and shoulder bleeding from an 

axe wound.] 
I talk true talk. Opechaneanough takes Avar trail to-day, 
with the sun. I have spoken. 

pace: Poor boy — he's wounded. [ To those inside the 

house.] Hark ye now. 

[The people of the household come into the door- 
way, some of the servants hurrying up in a 
group outside.] 

The Indians are taking the war trail. I must get the alarm 

to Jamestown, to the Governor. Bar the windows and 

stand on guard — 

chanco : No. Go, all. They are too many. You can not 
stay and live. 



pace: He may be right. Take what you can to the 
boat, and leave the house barred. I will take the canoe. 
Come with me, Chanco. 

ciianco : I come. 

[His strength fails and he sinks down; they 
carry him into the house. Pace hurries out, as 
the door is closed and the lights disappear. Far 
off against the darkness a light flares up for 
a moment, and a stealthy passing of Indians on 
the war trail is visible, Opechancanough leading 
them on. The light fades. The central zone 
(Jametown) is noiv lighted, and Pace, leaving 
his canoe, comes up from the river bank. There 
is no sentry on guard and he hurries directly to 
the Governor* 8 door, where he knocks loudly. 
A servant appears.'] 

pace: The Governor — I must see the Governor! 

the servant: His Excellency is engaged just now. 

pace : I must see him now — at once, do you hear ? 

the servant: But you can't see him now — 

pace : I' ve got to see him. The Indians are on the war 
trail. 

[The servant, in fright, runs in. Pace pounds 
on the door. Governor Wyatt appears in the 
doorway.] 

governor wyatt : What this ? Richard Pace, what does 
this mean ? 

pace: The Indians, your Excellency. Opechancanough 
has taken the war trail. We must send out the alarm. 

governor wyatt : Is your information sure \ 

[ 51 ] 



pace : Yes. A Christian Indian in my own house. It is a 
general attack. All the way down the river I have seen 
their signal smokes. 



■& j 



governor wyatt: [through the doonvay.] Hallo — with- 
in there. Master Pory. Captain West ! 

[The servant comes out, followed by two or three 

gentlemen.] 
Yon, there, fetch the Marshall. 

[The servant runs off.] 
Master Pory, do you have the bell rung in alarm, at once. 
Captain West — the stockade gates — it's Opechancanough. 

pace: Listen, your Excellency. Is not that distant fir- 
ing. 

[They listen a moment; shots are audible, and 
very far off, yells and the war drum. Then the 
bell begins ringing violently. 
Men hurry into the square before the house, and 
the Marshall, in helmet and half armor, takes 
command of them. .The Governor holds up his 
hand for silence, and for a moment the bell is 
stopped.'] 

governor wyatt: Marshall, I do believe we are to be 
attacked at all points. Opechancanough has turned against 
us, and he is strong. Look to the defences of the town. 
But first let some brave and sure men be sent to spread the 
alarm. 

the Marshall : Volunteers, to carry- the news swiftly and 
secretly as far as may be. [A dozen men steps forward.] 
Look ye now. The roads are sure to be watched, and the 
rivers likewise. You go at great hazard. Think on the 
sleeping folk who will not see another day if you fall. And 
win through; God spare you. Go. 

[ 52 ] 



[ The men run off, and the Marshall goes to the 
stockade. The officer on watch by the river 
comes forward to report.] 

the officer : Two boats have landed, Excellency. They 
have been fired on. Two men and a child in them are 
dead. 

[As he speaks, a group of refugees comes up over 

the bank. 

Another officer returns from the stockade.] 

stockade officer : The Marshall's compliments, Excel- 
lency. The woods beyond the neck are full of Indians; 
the people from Archer's Hope are come in. They were 
fired on. 

[Another group of refugees enters from that 

side.] 

governor wyatt : To the palisade, all of you. 

[To the officer from the river.] 
Have you men enough for the river side? 

officer : We have enough, Excellency. 

governor wyatt : Go. God shield them in the far plan- 
tations ! 

[The bell rings again, and at the stockade a 
volley is fired. Fires appear on the distant 
hills, and beyond the river, and in flashes as of 
lightning, flying men and women cut down by 
Indians. More refugees come, carrying their 
wounded. 

There is a great shout from the stockade, and 
through the smoke we see, momentarily, a rush 
of Indians breaking through; hand to hand fight- 
ing ; another volley, the women behind the pali- 
sades madly loading muskets. The Indians driven 

[ 53 ] 



back. A great group of terrified refugees crowd- 
ed before the church, in a sudden fire-light. Then 
the bell, the drums, and the shouting cease, and 
the curtain of darkness falls.'] 

The Mage of the Tower 

Now fifty years of silence ; yet the time 

Was filled with growth and action. These we pass — 

These years when the young colony, struck down 

By massacre and fear, took heart, and stood, 

And reft the land from the dark savages. 

Once more they struck, and once more driven back, 

Left to the plow their primal hunting grounds. 

Men prospered, far from those bleak struggles when 

England, divided, turned upon the King, 

And Cromwell took the reins of power. 

Virginia 

Held by her ancient loyalties. 

Berkele} T , the Royal Governor, 

Giving awhile the Commonwealth its way, 

Grew bitter with the passing of the } T ears, 

A blind oppressor, levying tax and tithe. . . . 

And through this time the vision of free men 

In the great Charter written, strove and burned 

And 'twixt two iron wills Virginia 

In this year sixteen seventy-six stood poised. 



[ 54 ] 



VIII. 
BACON'S REBELLION 

The stage is set with a plain wall with a door-way at the 
centre, representing the state house at Jamestown. At 
the right, a gate post and hedge enclose Mr. Drummond/ s 
garden. At the left, a similar post, by which the Burgess- 
es enter for the Session. During the time the Assembly 
sits, benches are put on, and the threshold at centre be- 
comes the dais for the Governor. 

For the present, the scene is William Drummond's gar- 
den. Mrs. Sarah Drummond is trait 'rug for the return of 
her husband from the expedition against the Indians. 
Mr. Lawrence enters. 

mrs. drummond : Ah, Mr. Lawrence, welcome to James- 
town again. I hear ye've done well against the Indians. 

lawrence: Aye, thanks to Nathaniel Bacon, and your 
good husband, Mrs. Drummond 

mrs. drummond : And no thanks to Governor Berkeley. 

lawrence: Xone. I hear we rest under charges with 
him. I must see your husband about them, ma'am. 

mrs. drummond : Charges indeed. William's not home 
yet. Will ye wait. I look for him in a wee while. 

lawrence : Here he is now. 

[William Drummond comes in.~\ 

mrs. drummond: Welcome home, William. I hear 
ye're a rebel. 



[ 55 ] 



drummond: Whisht, Sarah. Do na believe every lie 
that goes out of the great house yonder. 

mrs. drummond : Believe nothing, William. But have ye 
not heard ye are all under attainder of the Governor — 
you. and Mr. Lawrence here, and Nathaniel Bacon and 
all of ye? 

drummond: Na, na. We'll be out of attainder to-night, 
when Bacon comes. The people '11 show old Berkeley 
plain enough — 

mrs. drummond: Much Berkeley cares for the people, 
and what they think ! 

[A sound of cheering is heard.'] 
What's that noise? 

drummond: That's our young Commander, Nathaniel 
Bacon. That's what the men of Jamestown think of the 
rebel. 

Lawrence: Still, Mr. Drummond, this is a serious mat- 
ter. He went against the Indians without the Govern- 
or's commission. I know well there's no justice in Ber- 
keley — know it to my cost. And by this token — what can 
he do to Bacon, and to us? 

drummond: Nowt, if he's wise. Bacon sent for a com- 
mission, didn't he? Ant I though it was not sent, it 
was not denied. He wrote old Berkeley a letter of 
thanks for the promise of it — I saw to that. It's a tem- 
pest in a tea pot. 

eawrence : I'm not so sure of that. There's no length 
he'll not go to for spite of you or me. If what we did 
could be construed into treason, he'll have the power 
of England behind him to hang us. 

mrs. drummond* [breaking in her hand a spray of rose- 
bush from the garden hedge.] 

[ 56 ] 



I care not that for the power of England. The real 
power in Virginia's in them that are cheering yonder. 

lawkence : It should be so, Mrs. Drummond, but look 
you. he withheld the commission. Why? The whole 
Colony was with us. 

drummond: Why? Mr. Lawrence, can it be ye do na 
ken that. It's his beaver trade up the Bay. But I mis- 
doubt me he'd rather forgive us our trespasses than 
have that mentioned in the Assembly. You'll see. 

[Bacon, followed by Bruce and Nathaniel 

Bacon Sr., comes in.~] 

mrs. drummond: A welcome to ye. General. Gentlemen, 
'your service. 

bacon : Good day, Madam. Drummond, and Lawrence, 
we must consider this business. 

drummond: Aye, talk on't. Sarah knows it all. 

bacon : In my conscience I am clear, my friends. It 
was no treason to strike against savages on the war 
path. It was no treason to fight for our homes. We 
have done no treason. But the Governor thinks other- 
wise. We have no wish to find our names proscribed. 
My kinsman here, for the sake of the name of our 
family, wishes me to make some compromise with the 
Governor. 

Nathaniel bacon, sr. : Aye, it can all be arranged. 
You have only to admit your fault, plead at the bar of 
the Assembly, and he'll make you a General in good 
earnest. I have written the document. I have his word 
for it. 

Lawrence: And you believe him, sir? 

[ 57 ] 



Nathaniel bacon sr. : I believe him — he spoke it in 
Colonel Lee's presence, and Mr. Bruee's here. 

drumjkjnd: Did he say aught about our not fighting 
where it might mar his trade in beaver pelts? 

Nathaniel bacon, sr. : You speak with small respect of 
the Governor of the Colony, Mr. Drummond. 

DRUioioND : I speak as I feel. I know him. I know this 
lad. too — I've followed him. He fears nothing. He's 
the savior of the Colony — the only man who dared strike 
in our defence, in spite of old Berkeley's red trappers. 
What should he confess to? He's done no wrong. 

bacon : Xo. Drummond, I have, it seems. I've smirched 
the family name. Well, I'm willing to make amends — if 
the Governor'll set us free to defend ourselves. At 
worst, I would throw mvself on the mercv of the Assem- 
bly- 

Lawrence: Berkeley's Assembly, that he's kept and fed 
like stalled cattle these fifteen years! 

Nathaniel bacon, sr. : Believe me. my lad, it's best 
you yield to him. It's only to admit your fault, and all 
will be well. 

bacon : I agree then. 

[Enter Major Hone with a guard of soldiers.'] 

major hone: Mr. Bacon, I arrest you in the King's 
name, for traitorous and rebellious acts committed in 
this Colony. I must warn you in regard to any state- 
ment you may make to these gentlemen. 

bacon : Where are you to take me ? 

major hone: To the Governor. And you, Mr. Bacon, 

[ 58 ] 



and Mr. Bruce, may come with us. His Excellency has 
a mind to confer with you about this attainder. 

[Major Hone, the Bacons, and Bruce go out.] 

Lawrence: I like it not. This Governor is a treacher- 
ous old devil. He'll have the lives of all of us — aye, and 
the honor too, if he can. 

[The central zone is now lighted; the Assembly 
is taking its seat; the Governor and his staff 
enter, with the Councillors. The speaker raps 
for order, and Governor Berkeley rises to make 
a statement.] 

Berkeley: In all this coil ye have told me that the 
Indians have been at fault. I know not if this be true 
or no. They have said that their chiefs, coming to 
treat for peace, have been wrongfully killed. And this, 
by men here sitting amongst us— Colonel Washington 
and Major Allerton— I learn to be the truth. It was 
men of Maryland did it, ye say. I care not. These 
Indians were envoys. If they had slain my grandfather 
and my grandmother, and all my friends, yet if they 
came to treat in peace, then by God they should have 
gone in peace. Major Hone, bring in your parole. 

[Major II one goes out.] 
If there be joy in the presence of the angels over one 
sinner that repenteth, there is joy now. For we have a 
penitent sinner come before us. 

[Major Hone re-enters with Bacon, who comes 
forward and kneels before the Speaker of the 
Assembly. Referring to a paper ivhich he car- 
ries, he makes his confession.] 

bacon : I, Nathaniel Bacon, Junior, of Henrico county, 
in Virginia, do hereby most freely and humbly acknowl- 

[ 59 ] 



edge that I have been guilty of late unlawful, mutinous 
and rebellious practices, contrary to my duty to his 
sacred majesty's Governor and this country; that I have 
caused the beating of drums; have raised men in arms; 
and have marched with them into several parts of this 
Colony; I have done these things not only without 
order and commission, but contrary to the express* 
commands of the Right Honorable Sir William Berke- 
ley, Knight, his majesty's most worthy Governor and 
Captain General of Virginia. . .And I do hereby upon 
my knees most humbly beg of Almighty God, and of 
his majesty's said Governor, that upon this my un- 
feigned confession, pardon may be granted me. . .In tes- 
timony of this I have subscribed my name, this ninth 
day of June, 1676. 

colonel cole: We of his Majesty's Council do desire, 
according to Mr. Bacon's request, the Right Honorable 
the Governor to grant his pardon. 

Berkeley: God forgive you. I forgive you. God for- 
give you. I forgive you. 

colonel cole: And all that were with him? 

Berkeley: Aye, and all that were with him. God for- 
give them. I forgive them. . .Mr. Bacon, if you will live 
civilly till next Quarter Court, I'll restore ye again to 
your seat here. 

[Bacon hoivs his head in assent, and Berkeley 
waves him to his seat. There is a rustle of ap- 
proval from the Councillors and Burgesses.'] 

mr. eruce : Mr. Speaker, it was understood by Mr. 
Bacon, and those of us who are his friends, that when 
he had made acknowledgment, the Right Honorable 

[ 60 ] 



the Governor would give him a commission to go against 
the Indians for the defense of the Colony. 

Berkeley: Your friends are unwise, Mr. Bacon. 

mr. bruce : There was a promise made, your Excellency. 

Berkeley [rising.] 

Let this session continue without us, Mr. Speaker. And 

I hope it may escape sedition. 

[Berkeley and a few of the Council leave the 

meeting.] 

mr. bruce : Mr. Speaker, since the promise of the Right 
Honorable the Governor has been given, I move you the 
Assembly authorize Mr. Bacon, as General-to-be of the 
Colony's forces, to enlist for the defence of the Colony — 

[There is an uproar at the door, and a couHer 

enters, spurred and muddy.] 

the courier: They told me the Governor was here. 
Yes — from up the York — they've killed a dozen folks in 
all — women and children mainly. 

major hone: Come with me — this is for the Governor, 
not for these gentlemen. 

[Major Hone takes the Courier out after the 

Governor.] 

mr. bruce: Is the need clear, gentlemen? To enlist, 
drill and maintain in the field against the heathen 
enemy, one thousand men. 

[Cries of "'Bacon, Bacon" "Aye, aye."] 

bacon: Men of Virginia. I have acknowledged that I 
have been so unadvised as to believe it was my duty, 
both by the laws of God and nature and to his Majesty 

[ 61 ] 



the King, notwithstanding Sir William Berkeley's pro- 
hibition, to take up arms in the just defense of our- 
selves, our wives and children, our homes, and His 
Majesty's dominion. I found in my heart no thought 
of rebellion, no taint of treason. And it grieved me 
beyond words to find that while we were hunting the 
savage wolves that daily destroyed our lambs, I was 
pursued with full cry as though I too were a ravenous 
beast. You speak of sending me to defend the coun- 
try. A commission has been promised me. It was so 
promised me before. You are not now as Governor 
Berkeley's long Assembly was — a creature of his will. 
You know the state of the Colony. You know wherein 
he has failed of his sworn and sacred duty. Look now 
to your laws, your suffrages, your lives. As for my 
commission, you have authorized it; the Governor has 
promised it, and when I come for it. think not it will 
be denied ! 

[Shouts of "Aye, ay el" "A Bacon — Bacon!" 
The Assembly breaks up, cheering, and the inert 
four off, the Burgesses to the right, the Coun- 
cillors to the left; the central zone darkens. A 
light appears in the courtyard at the left of the 
stage, where Major Hone has brought the 
Courier to Governor Berkeley. 

Berkeley: I have heard of this same killing before. 
There is no truth in it. These people Avere careless. Do 
they expect me to defend every creekside cabin in this 
wilderness ? 

major hone: He caused a great flutter in the Assem- 
bly, your honor. 

Berkeley: How's this — did he spread his damnable lies 

[ 62 ] 



amongst those mutinous upstarts too. Look ye. what 
means this? 

the courier: I came to look for your Excellency. They 
directed me to the Assembly — 

Berkeley: And you set f're to 'em. God's blood, why 
did ye let him speak? [To Major Hone.] Now the 
fat's in the fire again. It makes me mad. Damn you — 
Take him out and let him be strung by the thumbs an 
hour. This comes of your freedom — your intelligent 
yeomanry. Take him out ! 

[A drum, steadily beating, is heard approach- 
ing. The center zone is again lighted, and 
Bacon, at the head of an armed force, is seen 
marching on. At the centre, Bacon halts his 
forces. Berkeley rushes out to fare him, t bear- 
ing open his laces, and crying out, 

Berkeley : Here, shoot me ! Shoot me. 'Fore God, a 
fair mark ! 

bacon : No. May it please your honor, we will not harm 
a hair of your head, nor of any man's. "We are come 
for a commission to save our lives from the Indians. You 
have promised it. And now we will have it before we go. 

Berkeley : Is this how ye come to brave me ? Shoot me, 
rebels, and have done. 

bacon: Does your honor deny that the commission was 
promised? Does your honor refuse us the commission? 

[A menacing shout arises behind Baron, but 

he puts it down.'] 

Berkeley : I have not denied you. Is this how a loyal 
officer should come for his credentials? Ye shall have 



it — when it pleases me. 

[He turns on his heel and goes out.] 

drummond : Ye hear that, men ? 

[The soldiers answer with an ancjry tkovt* 
Bacon turns to them.] 

bacon: We must have the Commission. We will have 
it. 

drummond: In God's name, why must we? It would 
be easier to get a new Governor. Nay, do na startle at 
that. I can show ye by record how it hath happened 
before in Virginia. 

[Major Hone comes out, bearing the Comvds- 

sion.] 

major hone: The Governor's compliments to General 
Bacon. Here is his Commission, with others in blank 
for his officers. 

[.4 great cheer goes up from the troops.] 

bacon: Gentlemen and Fellow Soldiers! I am trans- 
ported with gladness to find 3^011 thus unanimous, daring 
and gallant. You have the victory before the tfght, 
the conquest before the battle. . .Your hardiness will in- 
vite all the country along to come and second you. You 
have with you the prayers of all the people of Virginia. 
Come on, my hearts of gold: he that dies on the field, 
lies in the bed of immortal honor! 

[The drum strikes up again, and the troops 

march off, Bacon at their head. 

Again the centre zone is dark, ami at the left, 

Berkeley is seen with some of the Council.] 

Berkeley: Is not this mutiny \ Is it not treason. Did 
they not come armed against me? Ah, God help me, 

[ 64 1 



for thirty years I have governed the fairest land the sun 
ever shone upon, and now I am engulfed in rebellion ! 

goodwin: [The Speaker of the Assembly.'] 

Your Honor should rest. He has his commission. He 

will let be now and go against the Indians. 

Berkeley : Aye, he will go against the Indians, and ruin 
the fur trade. And what of the King's authority? What 
of my authority ! Major Hone, let the Commission be 
cancelled and revoked. Let a proclamation tell the 
people so. And do you gather me troops in Gloucester 
to go after him. 

major hone: Your Honor, we hardly dared report it 
to you. The lower plantations are as good as in arms 
against you. They too demand for Bacon. 

Berkeley: What then? 

major hone : We can do nothing, sir. 

Berkeley : I'll not do nothing. Get me ready what sail 
you can. If it be come to the test — between the King's 
Governor and the will of these Virginians, I'll not stand 
idle. Get me ready the ships for Accomac. And do 
you send forth without delay this proclamation in the 
King's name. I declare this Bacon to be a rebel, and 
all that follow him rebels. Their lives are forfeit. And 
when I come again, they shall be exacted, to the last 
man. So, in the King's name. 

[The scene vanishes.] 



65 ] 



The Mage of the Tower 

So these two men, the shifty Governor, 

And Bacon, the true-hearted rebel, fought, 

And Bacon fell. Jamestown they burned. And where 

The first church stood, now only memories 

About the ruined tower, cluster and hallow : 

That solemn ground, of all America 

Is richest, first. . . 

And deepest in our people's deepest heart. 

Look forward. Westward turn your eyes. 

Now forty years are sped. Men seek new lands, 

Fit for a nation's overflowing tide. 

And here, on the Blue Ridge's crest, we pause, 

And hear the laughter of the hunting horns 

At sight of strange new valleys filled with peace. 

IX 

THE KNIGHTS OF THE HORSESHOE 

The scene is the top of Mount George, looking out 
over the valley. 

A hunting call is heard in the distance. The growing 
light discloses an Indian scout; then three more Indians; 
then the Sergeant, toiling up the hill with six rangers 
at his heels. The horn again, and three of the gentle- 
men of the party arrive, one of the Captains leading. 
The Sergeant steps forward and salutes^ 

the sergeant: This 'ere seems to be the top, sir. No 
higher land in sight. 

the captain : Thank 'ee, Sergeant. Will you dismount, 
gentlemen ? 

r 66 l 



[2' hey dismount, and their servants, who have 
come running up, take their horses. 
Governor Spotswood now enters with the rest 
of the party; the Captain goes forward to meet 
them.~\ 
This is the summit, your Excellency. 

mr. beverlet : A fine prospect, sir — a magnificent pros- 
pect. 

governor spotswood: Use your eyes, gentlemen. Do 
3^e see any higher ground? 

the captain : No, your Excellency. 

mr. beverley: There's one mountain yonder — the com- 
panion to this. 

the captain : It's not so high, sir, by a score of yards. 

mr. beverley: Demmed military assurance, sir. It's a 
good peak — a high peak. 

governor spotswood: This is matter for young eyes, 
gentlemen. Ensign Fontaine, what do you say? 

fontaine: I should say sir, that the Captain is right — 
it is lower than this, to judge by the horizon. But not 
by so much as twenty yards, sir. And as Mr. Beverley 
so justly observes, it's a good peak. 

governor spotswood: A Daniel to judgment, gentle- 
men. And now I propose that we name this mountain 
for his Majesty, Mount George. 

mr. beverley : Aye, and t'other one for your Excellency, 
Mount Alexander. 

[The gentlemen agree heartily.'] 

governor spotswood: I thank you, gentlemen. And the 
river below, shall we name that the Euphrates? 

[ 67 ] 



the captain : Aye, classical. Goes with Mount Alexan- 
der. 

governor sroTswooD: Gentlemen, let us stop here and 

refresh ourselves. 

[The servants swiftly unload the provisions, 
together with the ivines and glasses.] 

mr. beverley: Aye — it's time. Here we've crossed the 
uncrossed mountains— passed the impassable peaks. A 
toast, your Excellency. 

governor spotwood: Gentlemen, you have come far, 
and are weary. From the Capital to Germanna, to 
the forks of the Rappahannock, through the Gap to this 
distant peak which overlooks the new Euphrates. For 
all your labors, the way has been pleasant; I intended 
it should be so. Champagne ! We are come with light 
hearts, but we bear with us a great future, a destiny of 
empire. For this valley— behold is it not fertile ? And 
shall it lie waste and useless? No, my friends. We 
have added ranges of mountains and swards of valley 
to his dominions : and now, on the summit of our blood- 
less conquest, I give you— To the health of His Blessed 
Majesty, King George the First by the Grace of God ! 

[The Gentlemen repeat, "His Blessed Majesty, 

King George!" and all drink.] 

the captain : Gentlemen, a volley to the King— Fire I 
[The volley is fired with great precision.] 

mr. beveijeey: Now to the Princess. 

governor spotswood: Burgundy. 

[The glasses are handed around.] 
We have shoAvn that the mountains can be crossed. That 
the way lies open. We have blazed a road that will be 

[ 68 ] 



nobly trod in the future. Gentlemen, to the Princess ! 
the gentlemen : The Princess ! 

the captain: Another volley. Are you ready? — Fire! 
[The volley is not quite so unanimous.'] 
[Ensign Fontaine writes industriously in his 
journal.'] 

governor spotswood : What's this, Mr. Fontaine ? 

fontaine : I'm writing in my journal the events of this 
great day — and I must get on with it before I'm too 
drunk to record 'em. 

the captain : Your Excellency, we've drunk to the 
King, and we've drunk to the Princess, God bless 
her. But we've left out the rest of the royal family. 
I move you sir — I mean sir — The Royal Family. 

governor spotswood : Claret. 

mr. beverlet: Don't trouble to name 'em. Just drink 
to 'em all at once. For I've another health to propose, 
which must be drunk to-day. So lets get on — The 
Royal Family ! 

the gentlemen : The Royal Family ! 

the captain : Are you ready ? . . .Fire ! 

[The volley hardly hears out the icord.] 

mr. beverlet : And now, gentlemen, I propose the health 
of one who has governed us with wisdom and lenity; 
and led us in peace and war with courage and felicity; 
cities yet undreamed in this smiling valley will come to 
bless his name: and new orders of knighthood will arise 
to do him honor. To his Excellency, Governor Spots- 
wood ! 

[ 69 ] 



the gentlemen: To the Governor! 
{They drink.'] 

[Ensign Fontaine rouses himself enough to 
start a jovial song, out the company does not 
agree upon the tempo, and the songs breaks off.] 

the captain: Gentlemen, are you ready?. . . 

governor spotswood: I pray you, gentlemen, omit the 
volley. 

[They all look relieved, and return to their 

cups.] 
Sic juvat transcendere montes. 

[Lights out.] 

ALEXANDRIA NIGHT 

The Mage of the Tower 

Now sterner clays press on. The Colony 

Grown strong, and ever hungry for new soil 

Strikes deeper in the trackless continent, 

And on the far frontiers the flags are clashing. 

New France, with the red tribesmen of the West allied, 

Forbids the rivers. And the council gathers, 

In Alexandria, where first the men 

Of all the Colonies make cause together 

And the doomed Braddock, arrogant and brave, 

Took the slow westward road, with Washington. 



[ 70 ] 



X 

BRADDOCK AT ALEXANDRIA 

The year is now 1755, the place is Alexandria; the 
occasion the council of 'war called by General Braddock, 
at which the Governors of the various Colonies are pres- 
ent. They are seated, with their various aides and sec- 
retaries; Governor Dinwiddle enters, bringing General 
Braddock t 

governor dinwiddie: Gentlemen, General Braddock. 

[All rise to greet the General, and those in 

uniform salute him.'] 
1 believe we are all here, sir. 

braddock: I have been ordered to call you together, 
honorable Governors and gentlemen, to lay before you 
certain instructions. From the Ministry — I may say, 
from His Majesty. 

governor shirley [of Massachusetts'] 
We have come gladly, General. We are all rejoiced 
that the Ministry has considered our situation, and has 
done us the honor to send you, sir. 

braddock: We speak in confidence. It is a time of 
peace. But no man can say how long this peace will 
last. France — 

dinwiddie: The peace is already broken, here. 

braddock: So I was informed. In view of this, I was 
to instruct you to meet, and to furnish, each according 

[ 71 ] 



to the means of his colony, men, money and supplies for 
the campaign of defense. I take it I may call upon each 
of you, Governors, for such forces and munitions as I 
need. 

shirley: You ma}' call upon us, General. But what we 
can supply is another matter. You see, we have our 
Assemblies to deal with. 

dinwiddie: My Burgesses are devilish republican, too. 

morris : My Quakers will never vote anything for mili- 
tary affairs. You must count Pennsylvania out. General. 

braddock: Gentlemen, I — are not you the Governors of 
these Colonies? 

shirley: Yes, General. 

braddock : Then it is to you I speak. I was to say to you 
that it is the King's pleasure that a general fund be es- 
tablished for the defense of his dominions in America. 

shirley : And we answer you, we can not furnish a man 
or a penny except with the consent of our Assemblies. 
That is the state of His Majesty's dominions in America. 

dinwiddie: Aye, we'd change it if we could, every man 
of us. But what can we do — it's a principle here. 
Just as in Parliament— the Commons must vote the 
money. 

braddock: Tell me this, Governor Dinwiddie. Will 
Virginia give nothing? 

dinwiddie: I'll not say she will not. But tell me' this. 
They say you're for moving on the forks of the Ohio — 
the Gateway of the West. Now is it for Virginia, or 
for Pennsylvania that you're taking the fort there away 
from the French? 

[ 72 ] 



braddock: Damn my soul, gentlemen, I — Your pardon. 
Do you mean to tell me these Americans will not join 
together for anything? 

shirlet: I wouldn't say that. Let the Ministry try to 
tax them, and we'll see. 

morris: If you would tell us your plan, General, we 
might help. 

braddock : My plan ! It's to move westward and hold 
oif the French; quietly, if we can; by open war if we 
can't. 

dinwiddie: And the Indians? 

braddock : I am told they are utterly untrustworthy. I 
shall pay little heed to them. 

morris : How will you move — through Pennsylvania ? 

braddock : Through Virginia. 

dixwiddie: There are no roads. 

braddock : I will build a road, if necessary. 

dixwiddie: The trail is open as far as Great Meadows. 

braddock : I am told the trail is impassable for wagons. 

I shall follow the route in this map. 

[He takes from his aide a ?nap, and lays it be- 
fore them.'] 

morris: This map is largely conjectural, I take it. 

braddock : It is official. 

dixwiddie: Have you the wagons, General? 

braddock: I shall call upon you gentlemen for wagons; 
it is within my instructions, and your duties. 

[ 73 ] 



dinwiddie : I know not where we may find them. 

morris : I know a man who might find them. Call Mr. 
Franklin. 

[His secretary goes out.'] 

braddock : Who is Mr. Franklin ? 

morris: He's the Postmaster. His charge is inter- 
colonial. 

[Enter Franklin. He is greeted cordially by 
the Governors, all of whom know him.] 
General Braddock, this is Mr. Franklin. 

eraddock: Mr. Franklin, yes. Now about these 
wagons. These gentlemen tell me you can furnish me 
with wagons. I shall need some sixty odd, fully found, 
with horses and harness. Starting from Will's Creek. 
Can you furnish 'em? 

franklin : Bless you, General, I have only two wagons. 

braddock: Aren't you the postmaster? How do you 
transport the mails? 

franklin : In saddle bags. 

braddock: Good God! What a country. 

franklin: Yes, General — as you say. 

braddocks To be short with you, I need wagons. Will 
you get them, sir? 

franklin: Will they be paid for? 

braddock: Well, damn your impudence!. . .Yes. 

fr/vnklin: I'll get them, then, if these gentlemen want 
'em. But a wagon train, for fighting Indians — 



bradduck: You need not tell me my business, Mr. 

[ 74 ] 



Franklin. The Indians may frighten your militia, but 
they can make no impression on His Majestys' regulars. 

franklin : Sixty wagons, at Wills Creek. It will take 
me ten days, General. 

braddock: That's satisfactory, sir. Damme, I'm glad to 
find a man who will do something. My compliments, 
Mr. Franklin. 

franklin: Mine, General. And gentlemen. 
[Franklin bows himself out.'] 

braddock : I suppose I may depend upon you for guides, 
Governor Dinwiddie. 

dinwiddie: Call Colonel Washington. 

[An aide goes out.] 
Colonel Washington has been twice over the trail, Gen- 
eral. 

braddock : Is he the militia-man who surrendered to the 
French? I've heard of him. 

[There is a pause, and Washington enters. He 

bows to the Governor.] 

dinwiddie: This is Colonel Washington, General Brad- 
dock. 

[Washington salutes, and Braddock bows.] 

braddock: Yes. I must inform you, however, that offi- 
cers commissioned by the Colonies have no rank in the 
service with the regulars. 

dinwiddie; But in Virginia, General. . . 

braddock: In Virginia, of course, by courtesy,— yes. 
You see this map, sir. Could you guide my forces along 
this road? 

[ 75 ] 



Washington : There is no road, sir. 

bkaddock : I am aware of that, sir. I shall build a road. 
You have been over the ground, sir. 

Washington: Yes, General. I carried a letter to the 
French at Venango; that's just beyond your map, sir. 
And later, I followed the trail with a small force. 

braddock : Yes, so I've heard. Met the French, eh ? 

Washington : I took some prisoners, and built a fort. . . 
Just here, sir. They came in force, and took us. We 
surrendered at discretion, sir, and returned. It was a 
Virginia expedition. 

braddock : Are you prepared to go with me ? 
Washington : Without a commission, General ? 

dinwiddie: With a commission, Colonel, from Virginia; 
and a for^e from Virginia. 

braddock : As a major of the regulars on my staff, sir. 

Washington : In that case, I am at your service, Gen- 
eral. 

Shirley : General Braddock, we will all do what we can, 
I am sure. I have information the French are on the 
move alread} r . 

braddock: That's unlikely. Our coming was secret, sir. 

shirley: With two regiments of regulars, General? Be- 
lieve me, they know of your coming. But you are right. 
We must strike together, and strike swiftly. You 
imagine we can not move in unison. I believe you are 
wrong. If Virginia, Maryland, Carolina and Pennsyl- 
vania can furnish you, I will pledge the North to an- 
other expedition, against the forts at Niagara, and with 

r tg i 



Governor DeLancey's help from New York, we can send 
William Johnson and his Indians against Lake Cham- 
plain. 

braddock: Good, Governor Shirley. Xow if you gen- 
tlemen can manage your infernal Assemblies, we shall 
make short work of the French pretensions. 

ax officer: [entering and approaching Braddock.] 
Colonel Dunbar's compliments, sir. The regiment is 
coming, as you directed, sir. 

braddock : Good. Now, Gentlemen, I have the honor to 
invite you to review His Majesty's forces. 

[The fifes and drums are heard approaching.'] 
Take a look at these, sir, and say what you think of 'em. 
Are they a match for a few Frenchmen in buckskins, 
and your savages with hatchets. These are the men I'm 
counting on, Gentlemen. 

[The regiment marches in on dress parade; very 

precise and splendid. 

Dinwiddie speaks to Washington.] 

dinwtddie: Splendid troops, Colonel Washington. 

Washington : I was thinking of the trail, and my Fort 
Necessity, and the future. God preserve them, sir. 

[The f^t age darhns and the fifes and drums die 

in the distance.'] 



[ 77 ] 



[ 78 ] 



The Revolution 

The Mage of the Tower 
[Before 1775.] 

Wars still breed wars, and treasure poured with blood 

Cries for more treasure. And old chartered rights 

In the blind strife are disallowed, and men 

Feeling the lash of tyranny, cry out 

With fire-brand voices, and the loyalties 

Of the long-builded years are broken down. 

Mighty the voice that roused the storm; the pen 

That wrote in flame its declaration; mightier 

The hand that guided through the tempest hour 

The fire-new nation. Here behold all three, 

Virginians — 

Henry, and Jefferson, and Washington. 

XI 

THE CONVENTION OF 1775 

The scene is St. John's Church, Richmond. The voice 
of Patrick Henry is heard in the darkness first, and we 
discern him in a growing light; then: the crowd in the 
convention becomes visible, cdl listening with the utmost 
attention. 

In the President's chair is the aged Peyton Randolph. 
The Reverend Miles Selden, the Chaplain of the con- 
vention, next to him. On the left, the conservative mem- 
bers, among them Bland, Harrison, Pendleton, Nicholas 
and Nelson. .On the left, Washington, Jefferson, and 
Richard Henry Lee. 

[ 79 ] 



Patrick henry [his voice growing stronger as the light 
increases'] 

. . . We have petitioned, we have remonstrated, we 
have supplicated — we have prostrated ourselves before 
the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest 
the tyrannical hands of the ministry and parliament. 
Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances 
have produced additional violence and insult; our sup- 
plications have been disregarded; and we have been 
spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne. 
In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond 
hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer 
any room for hope. If we wish to be free — if we mean 
to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for 
which we have been so long contending — if we mean 
not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we 
have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged 
ourselves never to abandon, until the glorious object of 
our contest shall be obtained, we must fight!' 

[There is a slight movement in the group 

around Bland and Pendleton.] 
I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms 
and to the God of Hosts is all that is left to us. 
They tell us that we are weak— unable to cope with so 
formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? 
Will it be in the next week, or the next year? Will 
it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British 
guard shall be stationed in every house? 

[A movement on the part of the group around 

Jefferson and Lee.] 
Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? 
Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by 
lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive 
phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound 

us hand and foot. 

[ so ] 



[Directly to Randolph.] 
Sir, we are not weak, if we make a proper use of those 
means which the God of nature hath placed in our 
power. Three millions of people, armed in the holy 
cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which 
we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy 
can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight 
our battles alone. There is a just God who presides 
over the destinies of nations; and who will raise up 
friends to fight our battles for us. The battle. . .is not 
to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the 
brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we are 
base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire 
from the contest. There is no retreat but in sub- 
mission and slavery. Our chains are forged. Their 
clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston. The 
war is inevitable— and let it come! I repeat it, sir let 
it come ! 

[In his seat by Pendleton, Thomas Nelson rises, 
unconsciously; and some be- hind Washington do 
the same.] 
It is vain, sir, to, extenuate the matter. You gentlemen 
may cry, peace, peace— but there is no peace. The war 
is actually begun ! The next gale that sweeps from the 
North will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms ! 
Our brethren are already in the field. Why stand we 
here idle?— what would you have? Is life so dear, or 
peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains 
and slavery? 

[He seems bowed in chains, his hands in im- 
agination, manacled before him.] 
Forbid it, Almighty God! 

[lie raises the chained hands in supplication. 
Then, to the group around Pendleton.] 

[ 81 ] 



I know not what course others may take, but as for me — 
[He stands erect, and from his arms as he raises 
them the chains seem to he rent and fall.'] 

Give me liberty. . .or give me death. 

[For a moment a deep silence is felt; then as 
one the convention surges to its feet, and a cry, 
half smothered, u To armsP- rings in the sudden 
darkness.] 

The Mage of the Tower 

A }^ear goes b}^ and still this voice rings wild 
In all men's ears. The urge and tumult cry 
Have echoed into action; in the field 
The patriot bands are slowly shaped to armies; 
And in the councils of the State are wrought 
Deeds not less valiant — words that flash like swords. 



XII 



THE CONVENTION OF 1776 

The scene is the chamber of the Assembly at Williams- 
burg ; the time, May 1776. The meeting is just coming 
to order, with Edmund Pendleton presiding. 

pendletox : We are now met in general Convention, 
representatives of the people of Virginia, according to 
the ordinance of our election, and in a truly critical 
time. The administration of justice, and almost all the 
powers of the King's government, have now been sus- 
pended for nearly two years. It will become us to re- 
flect whether we can longer sustain the great struggle 
we are making. We must be calm, unanimous, diligent. 

[ 82 ] 



We have before us resolutions of Congress, letters from 
our delegates, questions from the Committee of Safety. 

nelson : Mr. President, I beg leave to report, as for the 
Committee of the Whole, 

Kesolved, That thirteen hundred men, minute men and 
militia, be immediately raised, armed, and sent to the 
aid of the people of North Carolina. 

[Seconds of the resolution are instantly heard.] 

bland: Mr. President, we all know what this means. 
How stands the Committee of Safety? 

pendleton: The Committee of Safety approves. Are 
you ready for the question? 
Ayes ? 

[The Convention votes in the affirmative^ 
Noes? It is so ordered. 

thomas lewis: Mr. President, I have here, and present 
at the request of a Committee from Augusta County, a 
representation setting forth the present unhappy situa- 
tion of the country, the ministerial vengeance upon us 
now pursuing, and representing the necessity for mak- 
ing the confederacy of the United Colonies most per- 
fect, independent and lasting — an equal free and liberal 
government that may bear the test of all future ages. 

robert carter Nicholas: Out of order, Mr. President. 

thomas johnson (?iot addressing the chair,) Not so 
good as Cumberland's or Mason's in Fairfax, but good 
— mighty good. 

pendleton : The representation is ordered to be referred 
to the Committee of the Whole, on the State of the 
Colony. 

[ 83 ] 



Archibald cary: I move you, Mr. President, that the 
Convention now resolve into Committee on the State of 
the Colony. 

pexdletox : You have heard the motion. Ayes, 

[An affirmative vote.'] 
Noes? It is so ordered. Mr. Cary. 

[Cary takes the chair.~\ 

cary: You have all heard the substance of the letter 
from our delegate in Congress, Mr. Richard Henry Lee. 
You know the situation not of Virginia alone, but of 
all the Colonies. To meet this emergency, a Committee 
has been appointed to resolve upon the great question 
of this hour. 

thomas nelson: Mr. Chairman, in behalf of my Com- 
mittee, I proceed. (He reads,) 

Forasmuch as all the endeavors of the United Colonies 
to restore peace and security to America under the 
British Government . . . have produced increased in- 
sult, oppression, destruction . , . and all these colonies 
have been declared in rebellion, and out of the protection 
of the British crown . . . Fleets and armies have been 
raised, and foreign troops engaged to destroy us. Where- 
fore, appealing to the Searcher of Hearts for the sin- 
cerity of former declarations, be it 

Resolved, unanimously, That the delegates appointed 
to represent this Colony in the General Congress be in- 
structed to propose to that body to declare the United 
Colonies free and independent states, absolved from all 
allegiance to, or dependence upon, the Parliament of 
Great Britain. . . . 

[A general shout — "Vote, vote/'''] 

pendleton : Mr. Chairman. Let our minds be wholly 

[ 84 ] 



clear in this. Not without struggle can this day's work 
be seen to its conclusion. Not without struggle, met 
here, now and through months, perhaps years, of the 
future. Resolved, unanimously, the resolution states. 
Let us well consider what it means, and whither it leads. 

robekt carter nichoeas: Mr. Chairman, my vote will 
be recorded against this resolution. I can not bring 
myself to lend my voice to plunge our people into a war 
that my reason tells me is well nigh hopeless. I can not 
vote otherwise than I do. But when the decision is 
taken, as it will be taken, I offer my life, and all that I 
possess, to the cause. 

thomas ludwell lee : Mr. Chairman. 

cary : Mr. Lee. 

lee: We have had solemn warnings from the Treasurer, 
and from the Chairman of the Committee of Safety. 
We know the far reaching effect of this resolution. But 
consider for a moment how we stand in the event of its 
rejection. Does it not merely state what all men know 
already to be true? The Royal Governor of Virginia 
has withdrawn from the capital: has, with troops and 
warships, ravaged our coast. We have no longer any 
connection in fact with the Government of Great Britain. 
Why should we give that Government lip service, after 
it has deserted us. And not Virginia alone, but all the 
Colonies now in the Congress. Mr. Chairman, I point 
you to the seat for Fairfax. Last year, Colonel Wash- 
ington sat there. To-day he is in the field, at the head of 
an army — the army of the Continental Congress. Re- 
ject the resolution, and we are indeed in rebellion; ac- 
cept it, and we have set before the world an honorable 
cause. 

[ 85 ] 



riciiard bland: Mr. Chairman. 

cary: Mr. Bland. 

bland : All that has been said may be true, and still we 
be not hopeless. War is a terrible thing, and to break 
the bonds of centuries, the bond with the England that 
bred and nurtured us, that gave us in our old charters 
that measure of freedom our fathers possessed, is to 
break a precious vessel, and spill a sacred liquor. If there 
be in life any hope of conciliation — 

SJle is interrupted by shouts, led by Lewis and, 
Johnson, u No conciliation" Mr. Bland holds 
his place a moment, then sits downj] 

Patrick henry: Mr. Chairman. 

[Amid shouts from his supporters Henry is 

recognised.] 
I agree old bonds should not be broken except for a 
good cause. But is not continued oppression, open war, 
and the declaration that we are in a state of rebellion, 
a cause? I agree that war is terrible, and that Great 
Britain is strong, and that America is not yet so united 
as to present the front of a nation. But to the hope of 
conciliation I do not, I can not agree. We are at war. 
And where stands Virginia to-day? She has given to 
the Congress her greatest soldier for the high com- 
mand of the forces of America. She has given her voice 
in council, her blood in the field. And now, in the 
moment of great resolve, shall she be silent ? The glory 
and the burden of leadership is hers. Her spirit is 
aflame in the blaze of the siege guns at Boston. And 
now let her send to the Congress her first unyielding 
word, her demand, for the declaration to the world of 
those liberties to which we have pledged more than life. 
We are a free people, locked already in a righteous war. 

[ 86 ] 



Let us so declare, that the world and the Searcher of 
Hearts may see us in the open light of truth. Virginians, 
lead on. 

[There is a thuvder of applause and shouting 
till the cry of "Vote, vote/" overtops every- 
thing.] 

cary: You have heard the Resolutions. Those in favor 
of their being sent, as our binding instructions, to our 
delegates in Congres — 

[A great cheering "Aye" The negative vote 
can not be heard, but Robert Carter Nicholas is 
seen to rise in his place as the lights vanish.] 

The Mage of the Tower 

Far to the westward follow — follow in your minds 

A thousand miles of wintry march and voyage 

With Clark — Clark of Virginia. . . . 

The furthest outposts hear his stern demand: 

Kaskaskia — Vincennes — and by this stroke 

Dominions wide enough for many states 

Fell to our people's lot and heritage. 

XIII 

CLARK AT KASKASKIA 

The place is Kaskaskia, a grove in the village where a 
dance is about to take place. Laughing groups of 
habitants come in with flowers to decorate the scene; 
they place benches at left and right, and a floral arch 
or doomoay at the back; through this enter two Provosts 
of the Ball, who are to be masters of ceremony. The 
Provosts set to work ordering the guests, the girls along 
the left side of the stage, the men along the right.] 

[ S7 ] 



the provosts: [Dividing the party] Pray you, Mon- 
sieur — pray you, Ma demoiselle — etc. 

[Enter Commander Rocheblave, with Madame 
Rocheblave and, a guest, a fashionably dressed 
young Englishman.'] 

thf provost: [On the right.] Welcome to you. Mon- 
sieur le Commandant — and Madame le Commandant. 
We are honored supremely. 

rocheblave : Gentlemen, allow me to present my friend, 
Mr. Raycliff. 

provost : We are enchanted. Mr. Raycliff is an English- 
man? 

raycliff: [Bowing.] A traveller. 

rocheblave: We are all in the English service, Mr. 
Raycliff. At } 7 our service. 

provost: By your permission, Monsieur le Command- 
ant, the dance may begin? 

[Rocheblave bows, and the Provosts confer 
ajyart. The Coureur de Bote enters, and goes 
immediately to Rocheblave.] 

the coureur : Captain, I beg to report. 

rocheblave: Wait till the dance is begun. I have a 
guest. 

the coureur: It is in haste. The Long Knives are up 
the river in force. They are coming down upon us. 

raycliff: The Long Knives? 

madame rocheblave: The Americans, he means. We 
hear this every da} 7 — it is very awkward. 

rocheblave: Nonsense — it's not possible. 

[ 88 ] 



coureur: I have reported, Monsieur le Commandant. 
They say that Clark commands them — Clark of Virginia. 
[Mr. Bay cliff is visibly alarmed.'] 

rocheblave : Be off, you'll alarm the ladies. [The Cour- 
eur salutes and goes out.] We no longer pay attention 
to these tales, Mr. Ray cliff. At this season, with the 
ice still in the streams — a thousand miles — it's impossible. 
[Enter the Fiddler, amid general applause. 
Rocheblave and his guests take seats, while the 
Provosts select the dancers for the Gavotte. The 
sets are nearly completed when the Provost on 
the right selects a young habitant, the one at 
the left selecting a young lady ; the man comes 
fomoard, but the girl stands rebelliously still.] 

provost: Pray you, Mademoiselle. 

young lady : No, Monsieur le Provost, I will not dance. 

provost : Mademoiselle, the gavotte waits. Monsieur at- 
tends. 

young lady: I do not choose to dance with the gentle- 
men you have called. Besides, Monsieur le Command- 
ant has a guest. Do the honored Provosts know he does 
not wish to dance? 

provost: [Speechless with rage.] Mademoiselle! 

young lady : I have not heard the Provosts inquire of 
the guest. I do not know he does not wish to dance. 
Why not ask him? I will wait, 

rocheblave: [Coming forward,] Monsieur le Provost, 
I have a guest. May I beg for him the honor of a dance. 

madame rocheblave: This is most unusual. You have 
created quite a flutter, Mr. Ravelin . 

[ 89 ] 



[Ray cliff bows low to Madame, and to the Pro- 
vosts; while he is being presented to the young 
lady, Rocheblave turns to the rejected partner.] 

rocheblave : Monsieur, you place me perpetually in your 
debt. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for 
your kindness to my guest. 

[The young nnan bows and withdraws, Roche- 
blave returning to Madame. The dance begins. 
A croivd has gathered, and the sides of the stage 
are filled with settlers, soldiers and Indians. 
As the dance progresses, a light far bach of the 
stage discloses the shadowy figures of Clark's 
men creeping down over the hill. 
Then Clark enters, unobserved; he is in the 
tattered uniform of a Virginia Colonel; his boots 
are missing, and he wears moccasins. He saun- 
ters into the scene, and stands quietly watching, 
across from Rocheblave. An Indian spies him, 
and darts out, standing an instant before Clark 
and then running to Rocheblave.'] 

the ixdiax : The Long Knives ! 

[The Coureur rushes in, shouting.] 

coueetjr : The Americans ! We are surrounded. Cap- 
tain. 

rocheblave: [Coming down to confront Clark.] Sil- 
ence. Who are you, Sir? 

clark : Colonel Clark, at your service. 

[At the words, the crowd is seized ivith terror; 
women scream, the men shout, and in the dis- 
tance war whoops are heard. Raycliff takes of 
Madame Rocheblave, the dancers run off, and the 
soldiers move up behind Rocheblave.] 

r 90 i 



rocheblave: By whose authority do you come here? 

clark : By the authority of Patrick Henry, Governor of 
Virginia. You are surrounded. Captain, your sword. 

rocheblave: Insolence! Men, this gentleman is our 

prisoner. 

[The soldiers start forward; Clark raises his 
hand, and his rangers enter. Rocheblave* s men, 
who are unarmed, fall hack.'] 

clark: [With biting irony.] Gentlemen, I pray you 
continue your entertainment. I speak for the Governor 
of Virginia. Monsieur Rocheblave, I must again de- 
mand your sword. 

rocheblave: I will not surrender my garrison to your 
night prowlers. I will not — 

clark : Put that man under guard. Disarm him. 

[The rangers arrest and disarm Rocheblave.] 
You have yet to know the measure of my severity, sir. 
I warn you, I can show no pity. I'll know whether we 
are to be openly defied or not. Search the town, and 
bring me all the Britishers you find. Let all keep with- 
in their houses, on pain of death, till I order otherwise. 

rocheblave : I protest, Sir, against this savage mode of 
warfare. 

clark : I am quite able to care for my part of this busi- 
ness. Take him out. 

[The habitants have all gone save a few of the 
bolder spirits; Clark looks at these, froioning 
heavily, and they slink away. When they are 
gone, his expression changes; he throws back his 
head, laughing to himself. The Fiddler, who 

[ 91 ] 



has been watching him, conies over, bows hum- 
bly, and offers his greeting.'] 

fiddler: Monsieur the new Commandant, I hope you 
will not forget me, when you desire that there shall be a 
dance, for the people of the post. 

clakk : [Genially.] I shall call upon you, Monsieur. 

[The Fiddler loiters by the gate way. Enter, 
Pere Gibault.] 

pere gibault: [Frightened, but intent on his duty.] Is 
this the American Commander? 

clark : [Severely.] I am Colonel Clark, at your ser- 
vice. 

pere gibault: I am a man of peace, Monsieur le Com- 
mandant, and know nothing of your war. I speak for 
my people, who are loyal subjects. I am called Pere 
Gibault. 

clark: I am glad to meet you, sir. 

pere gibault: I have come to speak for my people. 
Everywhere they beg for their lives, and the village is 
mad with fear. Monsieur le Commandant, I must know 
what their fate is to be. Are they to be slaves of the 
Americans? 

clark : [Suddenly gracious.] You do not understand, Mr. 
Gibault. We have come to free these people, not to 
enslave them They are to be citizens, not subjects. Mr. 
Gibault, our is a war for liberty, for justice. I must 
have order among your people, but they are free now, as 
they never were before. 

pere gibault : And they are not to be driven from their 
homes by your "Long Knives?" 

L 92 J 



clark : Certainly not. 

pere gibault: And they are not even to lose their 
property ? 

clark : Not a penny. 

pere gibault : Tell me, Monsieur Colonel Clark, are they 
to be allowed to come to worship as they were? 

clark: We have nothing to do with churches, save to 
defend them from insult. By the laws of Virginia, your 
religion has as great privileges as any other. 

pere gibault: Monsieur Clark, my son, I am over- 
whelmed at your kindness. I am already, in my heart, 
a citizen of Virginia. I must tell my people. 

[He starts to go out, but returns.] 

Though I know nothing of the temporal business, I can 

give them some advice, in a spiritual way, that shall be 

conducive to your cause. God bless you, Colonel Clark. 

[Exit Pere Gibault; there is a pause, then glad 

cries and a sound of singing off stage. The 

Fiddler, ivho has lingered, nov: conies back and 

approaches Clark.'] 

the fiddler: I see it will be necessary for me to play 
to-night. Our people will want music. I hear them al- 
ready, singing. 

[A group of the dancers rushes gaily in.] 

clark: You shall fiddle to-night under the flag of Vir- 
ginia, sir. Strike your strings. 

[As he speaks, the townspeople flock back, cheer- 
ing and exultant; they cross the stage and go on* 
taking Clark with them.] 

[ 5*3 ] 



WILLIAMSBURG NIGHT 

The Mage of the Tower 

From Williamsburg, the second capital, 
To-night come citizens to bring a scene 
Of peace still building in the midst of war, 
When the old College, named in gentler days 
For William and Mary, shook its ancient bonds 
And, hopeful, turned to meet the modern world. 

XIV 

THE COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY 
BECOMES A UNIVERSITY 

The scene is the meeting of the Board of Visitors, Decem- 
ber 4, 1779. 

A group) of boys is romping in the room; the old colored 
doorkeeper comes in to drive them out. 

the old doorkeeper: Here, you boys — you got to get 
out of here — the LTsher's comin'. 

[The boys answer with derisive laughter.'] 
An' the perfessers is comin', and the Bo'd of Visitors, 
and the President, and the Governor — they's all comin'. 

[The boys continue romping.] 
You all min' what I say now — 

[The Usher enters, and raps sharply on the 

desk; the boys come to order. 

the usher : Young gentlemen ! You will leave this 
room directly. It is to be prepared for the meeting of 
the Board of Visitors. 

a boy: Oh, sir, mayn't we stay and see the Governor? 

the usher: You may not. He has only come, I hope^ 

[ 94 ] 



to rid the college of your presence altogether. Now 

take your leave. 

[The boys start out sullenly.'] 

Younff gentlemen! 

[The boys tu?m and bow formally, and leave 
the room with dignity — so far as they are able.] 

Set the chair for the Governor here, beside Mr. Page's. 
[The Board of Visitors enter, Mr. Page escort- 
ing Governor Jefferson. They take their seats, 
and Mr. Page opens the meeting.'] 

John page : The meeting of the Board of Visitors is in 
order. With the progress of the war, and the deprecia- 
tion of the currency, and with the change in men's minds 
that has been wrought by the revolution of the country, 
we are brought to the necessity of looking well to the 
affairs of the College of William and Mary. It is plain 
that we can not go on exactly as in the past. 

benjamin harrison : Why not. sir? The record of the 
College has been creditable. Too much democracy among 
the recent graduates, perhaps, but it's an honorable 
record. 

john page : I mentioned, Mr. Harrison, the deprecia- 
tion of the currency. We can not go on. You will see, 
when you go into the reports, sir. 

benjamin harrison : That's unfortunate. That's bad. 

Nathaniel burwell : Aye, too bad. Hoped we could 
just continue things as they are till the war's over. 

james madison : Gentlemen, no matter what the con- 
dition, I for one, welcome it. If we must change, here 
is the hour when Ave may change for the better, for the 
future. If a branch does not bear, let us lop it off. 

[ S5 ] 



[The Usher, at the door, comes forward.'] 

the usher: A delegation of students, sir, with a peti- 
tion. 

harrison: Eh, what's that? 

johx pace: The Board is occupied with important 
discussions, sir. Please tell them so. 

the usher: Your pardon, sir, but they tell me their 
petition affects the whole purpose and organization of 
the College, and that Mr. Jefferson helped them with it, 
sir. 

johx banister: What's this? The Governor helped 
them with it, eh. Here's democracy. Who are they? 

the usher: The Phi Beta Kappa Societ} T , sir. 

Nathaniel burwell : Xever heard of them before. 

john page : If the Governor has interested himself in 
their petition — 

jefferson : I confess that I have, sir. They came to 
me with it, and they were so much in earnest, and wise 
beyond their years — 

john page: With the consent of the Board, we will 

hear their petition. 

[The Usher brings in the delegation of the Phi 
Beta Kajipa, led by John Heath.] 

john heath: May it please this honorable Board to 
receive this petition from the members of the Phi Beta 
Kappa Society of this College? 

[Mr. Page nods in assent. John Heath reads.] 

john heath : When this College was established, near- 
ly a hundred years ago, the motive of its founder, James 

[ 96 ] 



Blair. Commissary of the Bishop of London, was to pro- 
vide for the education of those who intended to prepare 
themselves for holy orders. At that time, a grammar 
school was needed as part of the College. We now 
petition, and for reasons we shall state, that the grammar 
school be abandoned. The discipline for young boys is 
of necessity stricter and of a different order from that 
of young gentlemen in college — 

xatiianikl burwell: The young gentleman is correct. 
I remember when I was in this college, two of my re- 
spected brothers, aged seven and nine, were here also. 
And whatever I did, or wherever I went, they were on 
my heels. Tagging young brats ! Same with all the 
others. Drop the grammar school, I say. 

johx heath: Without the grammar school, the entire 
College could be placed on the honor system. . . . 

john banister: I see Mr. Jefferson's hand clearly now. 
No discipline, sir. Just democracy. 

james madison : Do you doubt the effects of Democracy, 
sir? In the midst of the war in which we are en- 
gaged— 

john banister: That's all very well. Dr. Madison. 

For the country, in a time of great political emergency, 
and all that. But for lads just ripe for the birch — 

Nathaniel burwell : Let ? em be put on their honor, 
sir. What's the harm in it? 

john banister: Well, we'll hear what the lads have 
to say. 

john heath: When the College was founded. Virginia 
was a Colony, administered for the profit of England. 
To-day, thanks to our glorious revolution, we are a free 

[97] 



people, destined by the blessing of God to becoihe a 
powerful state. The kind of education suited to men 
living under the tyranny of the British King, is not the 
kind of education for a nation of free men. 

nathaxtel burwell : [To Jefferson] 'Egad sir. will 
you have the Greek and Latin classics written over? 

heath: At this time, neither Harvard College, Yale 
CoHege, nor the College at Princeton offers instruction 
in the natural sciences, nor in law, medicine, nor the 
elegant literatures of France, Italy and Spain. . . . 

john page: In short, you young gentlemen, and the 
Governor, suggest a complete new plan for the College? 

john heath : We should hardly go so far as to say 
that, sir We do suggest that it be made a true uni- 
versity. 

john banister : Is not Cambridge a university I And 
does it desert the great tradition of classic learning for 
this sort of modern folly? No, sir. 

john pages We have heard your petition, young gen- 
tlemen. And with the consent of the Board, [the others 
nod assent] you will be permitted to remain in the room 
while it is discussed. 

james madison : ]\Ir. Chairman. 

john page: Dr. Madison. 

james madisox : Mr. Chairman, Your Excellency, and 
fellow members of the Board of Visitors, I for one hail 
this hour with joy. It seems to me an augury of a bril- 
liant future, when a select body 1 of youth, tired with zeal 
for the highest and noblest learning, appears before us, 
their governors, and asks our co-operation in reforms 

[98] 



that are destined to place our venerable College in the 
forefront of American — nay, of European, institutions. 
These young men, with their eyes fixed steadily on the 
rising sun of liberty, ask that the natural sciences be 
given their due place; the place they deserve for their 
application to man's needs and development. And they 
ask for those studies that concern man as a social, ethical 
and political being. We should consider well. We 
should be ready, with them, to build according to the 
needs of the time to come. 

Nathaniel bur well : These sciences, though. . . .Yes- 
terday it was Newton, and to-day it's Priestly, and to- 
morrow, God knows. 

john banister: Mr. Chairman, let us not deceive our- 
selves. We know the handiwork of his Excellency, Gov- 
ernor Jefferson. We all admire his learning, while we 
deprecate certain of his heresies. Who but he has sep- 
arated the Church and the State in Virginia? This is 
a further move in the same direction. Let us not spare 
words. Is it wise to go further? Where shall the ser- 
vice of God be nourished, if this College be delivered 
to secular sciences? For the grammar school, I say 
nothing. But this is a far deeper question than any of 
administration and method alone — it is a question of 
aims and purposes. And with all my strength, I oppose 
it here, and will light against it hereafter. 

jefferson: Mr. Chairman. 

joiin page: Your Excellency. 

.jefferson : The speaker is right when he says that this 
is a new aim, a new purpose. But does he believe that 
as sweeping a change in government as our Revolution 
has made can be supported without sweeping changes in 



the education of men \ We are on the threshhold of a 
new era in the life of the race. Old things must iro 
down, and new things must arise. It is true that the 
question is grave, but I am not sure that graver issues 
do not lie behind it. We have before us the opportunity 
to make one of the 121 eat decisions for the State as well 
as for the College. Fix your hearts upon the concept of 
human rights. Recall the vision of Milton in his Areo- 
pagitica : 

"Methinks I see in my mind a noble and puissant na- 
tion rousing herself like a strong man after sleep, and 
shaking her invincible locks. Methinks I see her, as an 
eagle mewing her mighty youth, and kindling her un- 
dazzled eyes at the full midday beam; purging and 
unsealing her long abused sight at the fountain itself of 
heavenly radiance." 

And holding this vision of our nation, hear the voice 
of youth, and serve it. For this is our highest task — our 
deepest obligation. 

james madison : I move you, sir, that we reorganize the 
College of William and Mary into a true University, 
with schools of Natural Science. Law, Medicine and the 
Modern Languages. And that it be administered by an 
elective, and governed by an honor, system. 

John page: You have heard the motion? Those in 
favor? 

[AJJ the visitors hut two vote Aye.~] 
Contrary. 

[Banister and one other vote in the negative.] 
Young gentlemen of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, you 
have heard the debate. You know the decision. The 
Board of Visitors is grateful to you. You may make 

[100] 



known to the students of the College the news that the 
reorganization into a university has now begun. 

[The young men file out. The Visitors bend 
to their discussion; in the distance the rejoicing 
of the students at the good news can be heard, 
as the scene ends.] 

The Mage of the Tower 

Now the long war is drawing to its end, 

The struggle to its peace. Back to the soil 

Of this Virginia, in the golden autumn, 

We follow Washington. 

And from the Yorktown trenches, 

Behold, the last strong British army's march 

To its surrender, and our sovereignty. 

XV 
YORKTOWN 

The scene is the field where the Surrender took place. 
A few scattered civilians loiter, icaiting for- the event. 
At the entrance of the armies, they move off to the back- 
ground. 

The French enter first, and take their stand at left cen- 
tre, Count Rochambeau at their head. The Americans 
enter from behind the mound, coming around to face the 
French at right centre, Washington, Nelson, Lafayette, 
Steuben and Lincoln at their head. 

In the distance at centre, a drummer appears on the 
top of the intrenchment. His drum rolls once, and the 
British band u heard playing "The World Upside 
Down" General O^IIara comes on foot, three aides im- 

[101] 



mediately following. He comes forward slowly, carry- 
ing Lord Cornwallis-s sword. 

A rustle and a whisper go through the waiting ranks as 
they see that it is not Comioallis in person. W ashington 
says a %oord to General Lincoln, who rides fomcard. As 
he meets General 0^ Liar a at centre, the British standards, 
cased, come up over the embankment, the troops, British 
dull German, following close behind. 
The sword is handed to General Lincoln, who instantly 
returns it. General O^Hara leads around off to the 
right, accompanied by General Lincoln; the cased stand- 
ards are given up, and the troops, passing before the 
Ainericans, ground their arms. The British band ceases, 
and Yankee Doodle begins as the scene vanishes in dark- 
ness. 



[10! 



ROANOKE XIGHT 

The Mace of the Tower 

To-night, from Roanoke, come a new band 
Of hardy maskers — pioneers. They bring 
A moment by the Roadway of the West, 
A picture, passing, of the vanished life 
That carried down the sunset trail the blood 
Which made a wilderness Virginian. 

XVI. 

THE ROAD TO TEE WEST 

Through the night, wagons and men are seen passing, 

the pale gray tops of the Conestogas glimmering, the 

harness rattling faintly. They disappear. 

Now ice see that the place, in the dawn, is before a cabin, 

a prosperous cabin beside the westward road, in the 

early years of the nineteenth century. 

The door opens, and the wakening household comes 

forth for the duties of the day: one of the lads for 

water; the mother with milk pails, the father taking 

his pitchfork from beside the door and starting out to 

feed the stock. 

Then in the doorway stands the daughter. It is a great 

day for her, and she stands expectant, dreaming. 

The first wagon load of neighbors arrive; at the same 

time, from the other direction doicn the road, a group 

of girls from the nearby farms; the girls hale the 

daughter of the house out, and crown her with garlands. 

The father and mother hasten up to greet the guests, 

A fiddle is heard, and the player of it, an old man. comes 

down the road; he is greeted joyously, and given a 

place of honor. 

[1031 



The preacher arrives next, on horsebask, with his books 
in his saddle bags. lie is received with every considera- 
tion. 

Then the lads, friends of the groom. 
Gifts are now brought out and showered upon the young 
couple. The preacher takes his stand for the wedding ; 
and when it is over, the fiddler plays, the young people 
dance, and their elders set out the wedding breakfast. 
The wagon is now brought in — a great Conestoga with 
a new white canopy. The gifts are loaded into it. 
The Old Pioneer enters, with a few' followers, and a 
little train of pack horses. lie pauses to take in the 
situation. 

the old pioneer: Morning, strangers. A wedding, eh? 
Starting westward? Aye, and ye re wise young 'uns. 
Over the mountains ... to the valleys of morning. Come 
wi' me, my friends. I'll take ye over Daniel Boone's 
trail — down to the West. I'll take ye where the whole 
world's new, and ye can hew it to yer likin', if ye're 
steady enough, and strong enough, and are patient 
enough, and love enough. I'm off on the road to the 
West this morning. Will ye come? 

The groom lifts the bride into the wagon. The Old 
Pioneer goes on before them with his pack mules. The 
guests gather to cheer them on their way. The groom's 
whip cracks, and the great wagon lumbers off down the 
Road to the West, leaving the parents and guests wav- 
ing them on their way as the light fades from the scene. 



[104] 



UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA NIGHT 
The Mage of the Toweb 

Welcome Virginia's University, 
And see its far beginnings, and the men 
Who shaped its purposes; and Jefferson, 
Whose lengthened shadow is its shelter still. 

XVII 

THE OPENING OF THE UNIVERSITY 

The scene is on the lawn outside one of the Pavilions. 
Students in groups are strolling about, some reading, 
and a number in deep study of a small brown paper pam- 
phlet. 

A new student arrives; he is from South Carolina; he is 
handsomely and elaborately dressed, and attended by an 
old colored servant who is heavily laden with bags and 
boxes — the luggage of a fashionable young man of the 
year 1825. 

the young man from south caroltna : [Speaking in an 
impersonal manner to the students in general.] Is this 
where you come to enter the new University? 

[Gessner Harrison and Henry Tut idler step for- 
ward to answer him; they are both in home- 
spun.] 

HARRISON : It is. 

tutwiler: Were you thinking of entering? 
the young man : Certainly, sir. That's what I've come 
here for. And a devilish bad road, too, all the way from 
Charleston. Put the things down, Caesar. This is the 
place. My name's Thomas Pinckney. Can you tell me, 
is Mr. Thomas Jefferson about the plantation? 

[105] 



harrtson : I don't think so. We should have seen him 
if he Ave re. you may be sure. 

pinckney: I thought I might let him know I'd come— 
he's a sort of a friend of my father's. Can you direct 
me to the best hotel? 

tutwiler : I imagine the Proctor will assign you to the 
one you will occupy. 

pinckney: The Proctor. Who is he? 

harrison : Mr. Brockenbrough. You'll meet him. 

pinckney: Yes, I suppose so. Well now, what do I 
do first? 

tutwiler : You matriculate. 

tinckney: [the word is quite strange to hi??i.~\ Yes 
. . . yes of course, But where? I suppose one pays 
one's fees, and that sort of tiling. You see. I'm anx- 
ious to get settled down to my studies. 

harrison : I take it you haven't seen the little brown 
book yet? 

pinckney: Little brown book — what's that? 

tutwiler: The rules, [lie holds up a copy of the 
pamphlet.'] You can't matriculate until you've studied 
the rules. 

iiarrtson r And accepted them. 

pinckney: What do they amount to. anywa3 T ? 

tutwiler: Eighteen pages. Small type. Begin with 
the bell at dawn; breakfast at sunrise. And the janitor 
to see to it you get up. 

[106] 



pixckxey : When I'm up at sunrise, I never want my 
breakfast. 

Harrison : You'll be up at sunrise every day here. The 
brown book says so. 

imnckxky: I don't like to think you're trying to pick 
a quarrel, sir. But if you are — 

tutwtler: Hold your horses. 

[Enter the Proctor and the Patron, on their 
way to their offices.'] 
Here comes the Proctor now, and the Patron. 

pixckxey: Oh, yes. So you're the Proctor, sir. I've 
come to — to — well, to be a student at the new Univer- 
sity. 

the proctor : You have, sir ? 

pixckxey: I'm told you assign the lodgings to the 
gentlemen, and I want one with some place for my ser- 
vant. Nothing elaborate, of course — my father told me 
I must live simply and economically. 

the proctor: Well, sir. There will be no lodging for 
your servant. You can't keep him here. 

pixckxey: But what shall I do? — 

thf proctor: Send him home. And you may as well 
send home most of your luggage with him. Here is 
the book of rules. Head this. Learn it. Then if you 
still wish to matriculate, come to me. And by the way, 
you must deposit all the money you have with you with 
the Patron. That gentleman }^onder. 

pixckxey : Of course I expected to pay my fees. sir. 

[107] 



the proctor: I am not speaking of fees. All your 
money. The patron Avill allow you, from time to time, 
what little you need for spending. 

pinckney : Now look here. Mr. Proctor — 

the proctor: Devote yourself to the book of rules. 
Come to see me when you have mastered them, and I 
may permit you to matriculate. 

[The Proctor turns and goes into his office.] 

pinckney T Caesar, you may as well take the thingi 
down to the tavern. 

caesar : Yes, Marse Tom. 

pinckney: And wait for me there. I — I think T shall 
live at the tavern. 

caesar: [turning to go out with the luggage] Yes, 
Marse Tom. 

tetwiler: I don't believe you understand. You won't 
be allowed to live at the tavern. . . . It's in the book. 

pinckney: [looking at the book.] This is terrible. I 
don't see how — and in a University for gentlemen, too. 
[He takes out his money and counts it.] And no money 
to spend! . . . Up at dawn. I don't know what Mr. Jef- 
ferson can be thinking about. 1 supposed after all his 
talk abouf liberty and independence— and here the place 
is a monastery! 

harrisox. You'd better begin studying the little brown 
book. 

pinckney: I'll do nothing of the sort. This Proctor 
person can't impose on me. 1 shall go straight to 

[108] 



Thomas Jefferson and tell him how things are being run 
here. I'll shake up the old Democrat. Ill let him 
know my lather said — 

[An old gentleman is seen dismounting from 
Ms horse at the other side of the stage. Har- 
rison and T utwiler catch sight of him, as do the 
other groups of students.'] 

tutwjler: There — I believe that's Mr. Jefferson — 

Harrison P It is. Now don't you — 

imnckxey: I will too. Don't you tell me — I'll — 

[Mr. Jefferson comes slowly across the lawn; 
everywhere the groups of young men bow as lie 
passes, taking off their hats and showing pro- 
found and instinctive respect. 
As he comes near the young man from South 
Carolina, that worthy* s spirit abates; and he 
too takes off his hat and bows. Mr. Jefferson 
turns at the pavilion.] 

Jefferson : Good morning, young gentlemen. This is 
a great day — the day of the opening of our University — 
but of course, you could hardly be expected to know . . . 
how great a day ... it is. 

\_He passes into the pavilion, and the scene 
darkens. When it is light again, we are with- 
in the Rotunda; the Board of Visitors and the 
Faculty are gathered, officially to open the Uni- 
versity.] 

.tames madison: On behalf of the Board of Visitors, 
and at the request of the Rector \bowinq to Jefferson,] 
I welcome the Professors of the Faculty of the University 
of Virginia. To those of you who have come from Eng- 

[109] 



land, ancPfrom the Continent, we wish to extend, in 
every possible sense, the hospitality of the State — I may 
almost say. of America- 

professor long: Speaking for my associates, and hum- 
bly for myself, — we who have endured the crossing of 
the Atlantic in the service of the University in posse, 
thank you, and rejoice with you to find that University, 
to-day, in esse. 

Joseph c. cabell : And in the beginning of your labors, 
some of us who have been for many years active in this 
project may look for release from some part of our 
burdens. \Vhat it has meant to rear these halls, in the 
preparing of men's minds, in thought and vision many 
times baffled but persistent, in effort put forth through 
many } T ears, only the Rector, who is in truth not the 
Founder, but the Father, of this University can ever tell. 
To him we have deferred many times, giving up our 
ideas of expediency to meet his more patient and loftier 
purposes. And now — the work is for you to carry for- 
ward. It is with every confidence that Ave place it in 
your hands. 

professor tucker: In behalf of the Faculty, I accept 
the charge of these colleges. And to-day, I suggest that 
the students, for whom in the end all exists, be called in 
to hear a greeting at the outset of their studies, from 
the Hector. 

[ Visitors and professors alike agree. 

The Proctor signals for the admission of the 

students, and they troop in ) standing respect- 

fully.-] 

jeffersox: Young gentlemen, if we are strangers, thw 

[110] 



^ fault shall not be mine. I have dreamed of you. here, 
and of this day's meeting, for forty years. I shall, I 
trust, if I am spared, come to know you all. Will you 
come up and dine with me, at Monticello? 

# the students: [in resounding chorus.] Yes, sir. 

jefferson : Dear me ! I— I hardly realized we were on 
such unanimous terms. Perhaps — five or six at a time? 
We must arrange it at once. I can not speak long to 
you to-day. My heart is too full. If I could tell you 
what I hope for in you ! All my life I have loved most 
the thought of freedom among men. For this the Univer- 
sity exists. You. and those who follow you through these 
pavilions, are our inheritors. It must be yours to see 
that your heritage passes forward, undiminished, to a 
great, free future. 

[His voice ceases, and with it the place and 
people vanish in a slowly gathering night. Chit- 
side on the lawn, appears a motley company of 
lire students, being marched and drilled by a 
sixth, who is scarcely recognizable as Thomas 
Pinckney. They execute their manoevers to the 
tune of "The bear went over the mountain" or 
some equally jovial ditty. After marching and 
countermarching. Pinckney halt* them.] 

pinckney: Halt. Best, Sit down. 

[They sit.] 
Xow, that fhe purposes for which Ave have assembled may 
be clear to all, or. in the words of our beloved Rector, 
the decent opinions of mankind— I trust you know the 
words, gentlemen, after eight months .... Now, are 
we. or are we not. in favor of Professors from the Con- 
tinent of Europe? 

[Hi; 



the five : We are not. 

pincknet: The answer is correct. Are we. or are w« 
notj in favor of professors from the perfidious island of 
England? 

the five: AVe are not, 

pincknet: The answer is again correct, and unanimous. 

Such an answer demands action. 

[At this another group of three students come 
drilling on. to another ditty, led by one whom 
tee shall designate as the Corporal.] 

the corporal: What's here, gentlemen. A meeting in 
serenade of our beloved superiors? 

pincknet: Your surmise is right. 

[The three take places with the five.] 
Now in a case of this sort, assuming the object of our 
righteous indignation to be the lamentable scion of 
Britain known as Long, what should be done. 

first student: He should be drawn and quartered. 

pincknet : I regret to say that is impossible. He is not 
big enough to quarter with dignity. 

second student: Cold steel, sir — cold steel is my vote. 

pincknet: While I agree with you that the insect de- 
serves no less, I prefer that cold steel be reserved for 
lilaetterman. 

[The students all hark derisively at the name. 
A new group of four come on. singing lustily. 
but not in any formation. Then join the con- 
ference.] 

third sti dent: My suggestion, sir, is that we fume him. 

[112] 



Smoke him, sir. And I have brought with me the fit 
and proper engine for the purpose. [He holds up a 
large bottle.] There is in this precious vial, sufficient 
fumes to make untenable the whole Rotunda. Concen- 
trated in a single and objectionable domicile, it will 
banish him. even if all England were at his back. This 
will smoke him out. sir. Let us adjourn to his window, 
and get to our work. 

pixckney : Fall in ! 

the corporal: Sta}' — who's yonder? 

pinckney: The reptile in person. Gentlemen, your 

masks. Silence. 

[Along the campus comes Professor Long, a 
pair, studious little Englishman* wholly absent- 
minded and unconscious of his tormentors. Tic 
passes in by the tower at the light, the students 
standing fixed and silent until he has gone by.] 

the corporal: There goes the enemy. Gentlemen, to 
your smoke -pots. 

pixckney: Right wheel. 

[Their intention is interrupted by a new group, 
clad in quilts, and blowing horns lustily. The 
one in the red quilt, who seems to be a leader, 
draws up his forces in opposition to the party 
headed by Pinrkney.~\ 

red qutlt : What ho ! Are you our friends or foes ? 

pixckxey: Friends; on the way to visit vengeance upon 
our oppressors. 

red qtjtlt: What oppressors? 

[113] 



corporal : Professors. 

pinckney: We design, sir. to fume the domicile of the 
despicable Briton, Long. 

red quilt: We will join 3^011. citizens, But let us not 
be discouraged in well doing. An oath — I demand an 
oath, sir, that you will not sleep tonight while any pro- 
fessor sleeps. Let's rouse them all. Have you but one 
smoke-pot ? 

the corporal S Only one, sir. 
red quilt: That will do to be^in. Forward. 

[The men with horns blow lustily; they ap- 
proach Long's house, becoming more and more 
uproarious.'] 
Halt. You with the smoke pot. Heave it through the 
window. 

[The man with the smo~ke-pot steps forward.} 

the third student: Will you have a whiff of it. <rentle- 
men ? 

[He uncorks the bottle and passes it before the 
outraged' noses of the others, who yeTl their ap- 
proval. Then, with a fine flourish, he heaves 
it through the window. There is a crash of 
glass, a scream,, and then a high clear English 
voice.] 
professor long : [within^] The damned young ruffians ! 
\The crowd shouts with glee. From across the 
campus tiro more professors enter, very deter- 
mined men in pursuit of discipline.} 

tinckney: Hold, £entlemen. The enemy receives re- 
inforcements. Let us retreat at once. 

red quilt: Ketreat be damned, sir! Let them have it 
too. 

[114] 



[At his suggestion the whole crowd surges to- 
ward the two professors.] 

professor tucker: Young gentlemen, we must insist 
that you at once return to your respective rooms, and re- 
store quiet and order to the campus. 

processor emmett: You have heard Professor Tucker's 

command, sir. 

[The students blow the horns again, lustily, 
those without horns shouting. A couple of pis- 
tols are fired in the air. Red Quilt dances pro- 
vokingly up to the professors, stringing his role 
in their faces.] 

professor tucker: Stop, sir. I'll bring you to your 

senses. 

[Tie catches the role; Professor Emmett comes 
to his assistance. They tug at it, and Red Quilt 
tugs to get free; the others swarm around them.] 

red quilt: Let go— you're tearing my shirt, damn you. 
[He strikes at Tucker, and Emmett returns the 
blow smartly with his cane. The fight instantly 
becomes general, and the shouts take on an 
angry tone. The two professors are forced bach 
against the wall. The alarm bell begins to 
ring.] 

pinckxey: There, gentlemen— gentlemen. Break, break 
up — break up ! 

[The Proctor and two or three more professors 
come on, calling the crowd to order. \ 

the proctor : Order, order. To your rooms. Begone ! 
[The crowd of students melts away suddenly.] 
Gentlemen— what was it? 

[115] 



professor tucker: Assault, sir. And insult. I shall 
communicate with the Board of Visitors in the morning, 
sir. Good night. 

[Tie and Professor Emmett turn and walk off 
in high dudgeon, striking the ground with their 
(railing sticks and muttering vengeance. The 
scene darkens for a moment. 
When it is lighted again, the place is within the 
Rotunda; the Visitors are seated, among them 
Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Cocke, Cabell and 
Chapman- Johnson. 

Professor Key and Professor Long face the Vis- 
itors.'] 
professor long : Professor Key agrees with me, honor- 
able Visitors. Inasmuch as the opposition is to us, we 
feel that we have lost the respect of these young men too 
much to permit of our meeting them again. 
jefferson : We can only beg you, gentlemen, to with- 
hold your decision until the" Board of Visitors can ex- 
amine into the matter. Let the students who presented 
this remonstrance come before us. 

the proctor: The Committee with the remonstrar.ee 
will be heard by the Board of Visitors. 

[The students enter, a large group, very sullen 
and intractable.'] 
the proctor: You have brought in this remonstrance? 
pinckney: Yes sir. We have signed this— some sixty 
f us— because we hold it against our rights as men and 
our dignity as students to be assaulted and struck by 
members of the faculty. And specially Professor 
Emmett and Professor Tucker, who both at once at- 
tacked one man. 

[116] 



madison : This is strange. We understood it was some 
twenty of you that attacked them. 

pinckney: That was afterward. 

madison : And what about the injurious chemicals that 
were thrown into Mr. Long's house 1 That also consti- 
tutes an assault. Who did that? 

pinckney: We must all decline to answer any question 
which may reflect upon another. 

madison: And you persist in shielding the culprits ? 

pinckney: We do. 

madison: There seems to be a deadlock. 

jefferson : This is one of the most painful events, the 
bitterest days, in my life. That our University, where 
for the first time the State has opened the doors to the 
highest thought, the finest and truest learning, should be 
made a place of riot and disorder; that the innocent — if 
any such there be — should shield the guilty; that — I can 
not believe it, my friends. Ts this what we have worked 
and planned for forty years? ... I can not proceed. 
Let — let some other voice answer you. . . . 

chapman johnson : Young gentlemen — if I may so ad- 
dress you— I take the liberty of speaking for Mr. Jef- 
ferson, who is perhaps more moved than you deserve. 
You began innocentty enough, perhaps, w r ith trival dis- 
orders. You progressed to serious riot, menacing the 
peace and concord of the whole University. The same 
thing has happened before. Through your efforts, two 
of the most valued of our professors have this day re- 
signed their chairs. This is a deep injury to you, and to 
all the students of the University. I do not speak to the 

[117] 



innocent now, but to the guilty. I do not ask who is 
guilty, but are you guilty? I do not ask any man to 
inform on another. I do ask — is there a man here, 
who took part in last night's disorder, who is not man 
enough to come forward and give his name. 
pinckney: Since you do not ask us to inform, but to 
confess, — I was one, sir. 

[ The other students, to the number of about half 
the whole number present, come forward, give 
their names to the Secretary, and step back. 
When they are all in place again, Red Quilt, 
to horn we have difficulty in recognizing, steps 
foricard, alone.] 
red quilt : I suppose I was the most guilty, sirs. I led 
them on. 

[Jefferson rises slowly.] 

jf.fffrsox: My nephew? You were one of these disor- 
derly ruffians I You led them 1 

red quilt: Yes, Uncle. I shouldn't let any other man 
take my blame for it. 

jeffersox : You, sir. My nephew. A lad I have my- 
self maintained and instructed. You have been in this — 
have led it. I — I can scarcely believe it. You have led 
these young men in their revolt against all I have built. 
You confess it ? 

red quilt: Yes, Uncle Thomas. 

jfeferson : Then so far as you are concerned, the action 
of the University in expelling you is anticipated. I 
expel you. 

[Red Quilt, pale and humble, drops back to the 

group.] 
Young men — sons of Virginia. If I can make you un- 

[118] 



derstand ! A riot in itself may be nothing — the mere ex- 
uberance of youth — and youth is so greatly our care. 
But to break up by disorder the greatest purpose of 
this house of learning — that is to tread down the free- 
doms of the future. For what does the University ex- 
ist? To teach you the laws and sciences of life? Not 
these things alone. But to give you the essense — the 
torch — the sacred flame. To give the State and the na- 
tion, in the years to come, that leadership which alone 
can guard the liberties that Have been bought with such 
dear blood. Will ye waste it all. Will ye pour out in 
folly the hope that we are just beginning to see shaping 
itself in enduring marble, and in ineffable vision? The 
word is yours — what shall it Be ? 

pinckney: For me, sir, I beg their forgiveness — and 
yours. 

the students: And I — and I sir. . . . We offer our 
apologies sir. . . . We didn't know, sir. 

professor long: May we suggest, sir. that we hear the 
remonstrance the students have drawn up. 

ptncknet: It's hardly worth while, sir. 

jefffrsox : Yes, we will hear it. Not in condonement 
of disorders, but in the cause of that self government 
which is, at the last, the highest purpose of education. 
To produce enlightened citizens — that is our dearest aim. 
And if this may lead to some system of government by 
the honor, as well as the consent, of the governed — that 
would be in full accord with our best hopes. . . . Ah. 
young gentlemen, I have nothing to forgive you, but 
much to anticipate, the little time I have left to live, for 
what you shall come to be, after me. 
[The scene closes.] 

[119] 



The Confederacy 

The Mage of the Tower 

Now in the march of the slow-treading years 

Men build a nation; and its many states 

Stand each to each as sovereign unities. 

How strong the bond — how strong the sovereign power! 

The nation for the states, the one for all, 

Or each to its own freedom's altar consecrate? . . . 

Two diverse policies, each deeply wrought 

Into a people's being: from these two — 

Struggles, divisions, the red flame of war. 

So for an hour, between the North and South, 

Virginia stood, and pleaded long for peace. 

But, peace denied, she faced the onward storm, 

In her own soul and conscience strongly armed, 

And cast the die, and gave unto the South 

Her treasure and her youth, her blood — and Lee. 

XVIII 

THE SECESSION OF VIRGINIA 

The scene is in the hall of the Mechanic's Institute, in 
Richmond; afterwards in the Capitol. The Virginia 
Convention is seated, Mr. John Janney in the chair. 

john ttler . . . Through the Conference for Peace, I 
aspired to the glory of aiding to settle this controversy. 
I had worn the honors of office through each grade to 
the highest ; . . . but the wreath to be won by the resto- 
ration of the Union, . . . would have been to me the 
crowning act of my life, ... I had hoped, at the open- 
ing of the Peace Conference, that we might accomplish 
the great object Virginia had in view. . . . But I found 

[121] 



that many had come with no olive branch in their 
hands. They had nothing to give — nothing to yield. 
And the Conference for Peace, Virginia's effort to bring 
together the North and the cotton states that have al- 
ready gone out of the Union, has failed. . . . 
You have to choose your association. Will you find it 
among the icebergs of the North or the cotton fields of 
the South ? 

[There are shouts, "South— South /"] 

john janney: Order. Proceed, Mr. Tyler. 

john ttler : Sir, I am done. I look with fear and 
trembling at the condition of my country. But I do 
want to see Virginia united; ... I have entire confi- 
dence that her proud crest will yet be seen waving in 
that great procession of States that go up to the temple 
to make their vows to maintain their liberties, "peaceably 
if they can, forcibly if they must." 

[Several gentlemen rise to speak.] 

john janney : The chair recognizes Mr. Fulton Ander- 
son, Commissioner from Mississippi. 

eulton anderson : Gentlemen, let me renew to you the 
invitation of my State and people, to unite with your 
southern sisters who are already in the field in defense 
of their rights. We invite you to come out of the house 
of your enemies, and take a proud position in that of 
your friends and kindred. Come and be received as an 
elder brother. Come and give the aid of your advice 
in council and your arm in battle. And be assured that 
when you do come, as we know you will, at no distant 
day, the signal of your decision will send a thrill of joy 
vibrating through every southern heart. 

john s. carlile : Sir, we have heard these appeals, these 

[122] 



invitations. We must not be moved by sentiment alone. 
I come from the Western counties, and for them I speak. 
Virginia must, in the end, mediate this struggle, not in- 
flame it. But meanwhile we must support the Govern- 
ment . . . 

[lie is interrupted by several voices.] 
.tames p. iiolcombe: Sir, will Virginia be found lend- 
ing the sinews of war, and the prestige of her name, to 
enable the Northern states to execute a policy of coercion ? 
Sir, for nations, as well as for individuals, there is 
something worse than death. . . . 

a delegate: Mr. President, the Committee from this 
body, appointed to wait upon the President at Wash- 
ington, has returned. 

[All eyes are turned to see Messrs. Preston, 

Stuart and Randolph.'] 

William ballard preston : Mr. President, your Com- 
mittee has been detained by storms, but has at length 
seen the President, who has given, in writing, his 
answer to our message from the Convention. He says, 
not having seen occasion to change, it is now his pur- 
pose to pursue the course marked out in his Inaugural 
Address. 

[There is a general and anxious movement on 

the part of the Delegates.] 
The power confided in him will be used to hold the 
property and places belonging to the Government . . . 
He will, to the extent of his ability, repel force by force. 

johx b. Baldwin : Mr. President, it is clear that a crisis 
is before us. Another day, another hour may bring us 
to the need of some vital, some terrible decision. I 
move you, sir, that the Convention go into secret session, 
and that an oath be accordingly administered. 

[123] 



[Seconds are heard.'] 

john jannet: You have heard the motion. Ayes. 

[There is almost a unanimous affirmative. 
The Secretary will administer the oath. 

the secretary: You do solemnly swear, in the presence 
of the Searcher of Hearts, that you will not reveal the 
proceedings of this Convention. 

[The Delegates stand and take the oath. The 
lights fade for a moment. Outside, there is a 
sound of confused shouting, as of a crowd re- 
ceiving stirring news; the lights re-appear.] 

john janney : Gentlemen, Governor Letcher has a com- 
munication to make to the Convention. 

governor letcher: Gentlemen of the Convention, I 
have this day received from the Government at Wash- 
ington, a call for troops. We are asked to furnish a 
quota in a call for seventy-five thousand men, for ser- 
vice against the Southern States. 

john tyler : Mr. President, may we know from the 
Governor what answer is being made to the Government 
at Washington? 

governor letcher : I have telegraphed them : the militia 
of Virginia will not be furnished to the powers at 
Washington for any such use or purpose. Your object 
is to subjugate the Southern States, and a requisition 
made upon me for such an object . . . not within the pur- 
view of the Constitution, will not be complied with. You 
have chosen to inaugurate civil war. And having done 
so, we will meet you with a spirit as determined as the 
Administration has exhibited toward the South. 

[In the sensation of the moment, Mr. Janney 
gives up the chair to Mr. Robert L. Montague.] 

[124] 



William ballard preston : Mr. President, Virginia has 
made her last effort. She can no longer remain in the 
Northern Union. I move you, sir, that this convention 
resolve upon an ordinance to repeal the ratification of 
the Constitution of the United States of America, and 
to resume all the rights and powers granted Under the 
said Constitution. And that this Ordinance take effect, 
and be an Act of this day, when it shall have been rati- 
fied by the votes of a majority of the people of the State. 

robert l. montague: An Ordinance to repeal the rati- 
fication of the Constitution of the United States of 
America, by the State of Virginia, and to resume all the 
rights and powers granted under said Constitution. 
[The Delegates vote by standing.} 

The ordinance is carried. 

[Outside the sound of fifes and drums and the 
tramp of marching men can be heard; the Con- 
vention darkens for a moment, and we see, dim- 
ly, troops mustering in the distance. Then it is 
again light, and we see the Convention, Mr. 
Janofiey again in the chair. 
Major General Lee is coming in, on the arm of 
Mr. Marmaduke Johnson. The Delegates stand 
to receive him.} 

marmaduke johnson: Mr. President, I have the honor 
to present to you and to the Convention, Major Gen- 
eral Lee. 

john janney: Major General Lee, in the name of the 
people of your native state, here represented, I bid you 
a cordial welcome to this hall, in which we may almost 
yet hear the echoes of the voices of the statesmen and 
soldiers . . . who have borne your name, and whose blood 

[125] 



flows in your veins. . . . Sir, we have, by unanimous 
vote, expressed our convictions that you are, at this day, 
among the living citizens of Virginia, w 'first in war.'' 
When the Father of His Country made his last will and 
testament he gave his swords with an injunction that 
they should never be drawn from their scabbards ex- 
cept in defense of the rights and liberties of their coun- 
try. . . . Your mother, Virginia, has placed her sword 
in your hand upon the implied condition that we know 
you will keep to the letter and in spirit, that you will 
draw it only in her defense, and that you will fall with 
it in your hand rather than the object for which it was 
placed there, should fail. 

[Applause.] 
robert e. lee: Mr. President and Gentlemen of the 
Convention. Profoundly impressed with the solemnity 
of this occasion, ... I accept the position assigned me. 
... I would have much preferred had your choice fallen 
on an abler man. Trusting in Almighty God, an ap- 
proving conscience, and the aid of my fellow citizens, I 
devote myself to the service of my native State, in 
whose behalf alone will I ever again draw the sword. 
[The Convention disappears.] 
[It is evening, and the stage is thronged with 
excited people — men of the Convention, soldiers, 
citizens of Richmond, ladies and a few children. 
They are singing with a will, and a hand some- 
where is playing Dixie. 

In the balcony at the right, illuminated as if 
from a light within, Jefferson Davis appears. 
The people cheer wildly. He raises his hand to 
speak.] 
jefferson davis: My friends and fellow citizens! I 
look upon you as the last and best hope of liberty. . . . 

[126] 



The cause in which we are engaged is the cause of the 
rights to which we were born, those for which our 
fathers of the revolution bled — the richest inheritance 
that ever fell to man, and which it is our sacred duty 
to transmit untarnished to our children. Upon us is 
devolved the high and holy responsibility of present- 
ing the constitutional liberty of a free government. 
(Cheers.) 

In these Confederate States we observe those relations 
that once described the United States — "distinct as the 
billows, yet one as. the sea." (Applause.) 
Upon every hill which overlooks Richmond you have, 
and will continue to have, armed camps, containing 
soldiers from every State in the Confederacy. The foot 
of the invader has been set upon the soil of old Vir- 
ginia. There is not one son of the South who is not 
ready to die, or conquer, in this cause. . . . Pray God 
to crown them and our Southern Confederacy, with suc- 
cess. . . . Upon you rests the hopes of our people. And 
for myself let me say — to the last of my breath I am 
wholly yours. 

[In a tumult of cheering the scene vanishes.'] 

NORFOLK NIGHT 
The Mage of the Tower 

From her wide harbor with the many ships. 
Norfolk to-night sends greeting. And her people 
Show you the ship that changed the wooden walls 
Of old world navies into walls of steel. 
Hark, in the night the hammers, ringing clear 
On the first iron clad; and down the Roads, 
The guns of the Virginia's maiden battle. 

[127] 



XIX 

THE COMMISSIONING OF THE VIRGINIA 

The scene is on the Portsmouth dock where the Virginia 
is in const ruction. We hear first the hammers of the 
workmen, then the lights disclose the stem of the ship, 
where they are just bolting on the last sections of the 
armor shield. 

On the shore, a group of young soldiers is in argument 
with an old sailor.'] 

first soldier: Come now, Jack — you're a sailor. You 
belong on a ship. Why don't you join? 

the sailor: You boys don't belong on a ship. What do 
you know about it? 

second soldier: We may not know anything about 
ships, but we can serve a gun. That's what we're in it 
for. Shootin'. 

the sailor: Well there's more to it than shootin'. 

third soldier: We know all that. Lieutenant Wood 
told us that when we signed. But he- said he needed us. 
and we didn't have to know about ships. This ain't 
like any ship anybody ever saw before, anyhow. 

the sailor: No. she ain't. 

first soldier: That don't matter. All we need to know 
is that she's the Virginia, and that she's going to fight. 
You might as well join on that same idea. 

the sailor: That shows how much you lubbers know. 
They call her the Virginia. And she's got a new iron 
top. But I know that ship. She's the Merrimac. She's 
been burned, and sunk. She's dead. You can raise a 
ship— but a ship that's dead— you can't bring her back 

to life. 

[128] 



second soldier: That's not our business, nor yours. We 
can fight her, though, dead or alive. 

[A Pilot comes loitering along the pier.] 
Besides, what's the matter with her? 

the sailor : What's the matter with her ? Look at her. 
All iron on top. Now the nature of every thing that 
floats is to float heavy part down. She'll turn turtle — 
You'll see. 

third soldier : Then we'll fight her upside down. 

the pilot: I reckon you will, sonny. But I'm not sure 
of just one thing about this ship. I'm not dead sure 
there's water enough in the channel for her to roll over 
comfortable in. 

first soldier: Well, ain't it your business to know if 
there's water in the channel. 

the pilot; Yes. I've piloted this channel for nigh 
twenty years. But I'll never lay hand on the wheel of a 
crazy iron wreck like that yonder. Parrish can if he's 
that much of an idiot. 

third soldier : Look here now, are you all afraid ? 

the sailor: I won't say that. But I'm do damn fool. 

first soldier: We know there's risk in it — Lieutenant 
Wood told us that. But this is a war, and it's all risk. 
Why should you fellows save your skins — 

the pilot : While you suffocate in that iron cage, or go 
down with her. Just because somebody's lied to you. 

second soldier : That'll do, now. Nobody's lied to us. 

first soldier : Come along, boys, let's ship them aboard 

anyhow. 

the sailor : Don't you lay a hand one me. Don't you— 

[129] 



lieutenant wood: [as he enters, seeing the fight start- 
ing.} There, boys, what's this? 

third soldier : We can't be expected to stand what these 
fellows say about our ship, sir. 

the sailor : Your ship ! You never seen a ship afore. 
You don't know what a ship is. 

wood : Well, my man, you do, by the look of you. How 
long have you followed the sea ? 

the sailor : Fifteen years, off and on. 

wood: You're a Virginia man? 

the sailor : Right here in Norfolk, man and boy- — 

wood [to the Pilot.] : And you — you're a Virginian, too ? 

the pilot : Well, that depends what you want of me. T 
know this channel. 

wood : And I know you. Now listen to me, both of you. 

[The Old Croaker and a few dochside loafers 

gather round him as he speaks.] 
This ship is not like any other that ever floated — or 
fought. She's new. And she's our only hope. If she 
works — if she fights, we can clear the rivers of the Yan- 
kees with her. We can save Norfolk — save Richmond. 
Maybe we can strike for the Potomac. // she fights! 
But if she fails, this town, and all the ports of Virginia 
will fall to the enemy. She can't fight without men. 
It's a chance we're taking, a glorious, new chance. I 
don't tell you we'll all come out of it alive. But she's 
sheathed with iron, and she's the strongest fighting ma- 
chine afloat. Isn't it worth the chance? How is life 
worth more to you, signing on with us, or crawling 
around this dock and telling each other she'll never 

* [130] 



float. You're a sailor— a Virginian. Which shall it be? 

the sailor [with sudden resolve.'] : Damn it, sir. I'll 
sign on. 

wood : And you ? 

the pilot : I'm not to be caught with that sort of bait. 

the old croaker [speaking to his cronies.] : I never 
thought he'd get that sailor. But he'll most likely 
drown anyhow — he might as well drown in glory. 

[Enters Commodore French Forrest. Lieutenant 

Wood approaches him,] 

commodore forrest : Well, Lieutenant Wood, how is the 
crew coming? 

wood : I'm getting them, Commodore Forrest. We have 
nearly three hundred now. 

commodore forrest: Sea faring men? 

wood: No, sir, soldiers mainly. Anybody I could get. 

commodore forrest : That's iuif ortunate, isn't it ? 

wood: They'll fight, sir. 

[Commodore Buchanan enters and salutes the 
other officers.] 

commodore forrest: Ah, Commodore Buchanan, I see 
your ship is progressing. When do you propose to try 
her under steam? 

buchanan : To-morrow, if the weather is fair. Steam's 
up now. 

COMMODORE FORREST '. So SOOn ? 

buchanan : I believe we will be ready, sir. Here come 

my officers now. 

[Jones, Williamson, Brooke and Porter enter.] 

[131] 



Good morning, gentlemen. How do you stand on the 
question of a trial trip for the Virginia to-morrow. 

[They look at each other in some surprise.] 
the old croaker [to his own group.] : I hear they's 
goin' to take her out to-morrow. Better come down and 
watch her turn over. 

porter: Her hull is as ready as we can make her, sir. 
She keeps out the water ; but she'll draw twenty-two feet 
— maybe twenty-three aft. 

the old croaker: And they talk about fighting her in 
the rivers, where a scow'll ground in low tide. 

buchanan : Mr. Williamson, what about the engines ? 

Williamson : You know those old engines, sir. They 
never were worth the coal they burned. And a few 
months under sea water hasn't improved them. She 
should do five knots, sir. That is to say, while the en- 
gines last. We've done what we could with them. 

buchanan : Will she steer ? 

Williamson : God knows, sir. 

the old croaker: They're leaving a lot to God, 'pears 
to me. 

buchanan : Mr. Brooke, do you think her armor plates 
will shed metal i 

brooke: We haven't had opportunity for the proper 
tests, but we're ready to chance it, sir. The Tredegar 
people have done the iron work well. 

the old croaker: The question about the iron is — will 
it shed water, when she flops over. 

buchanan: Are your guns ready, and manned, Mr. 
Jones ? 

[132] 



jones : Ready as we can be, sir. Few naval gunners to 
be had We've gun crews from the army, but their spirit 
seems fine, sir. 

[A midshipman brings a dispatch to Commo- 
dore Forrest, who tears it open.] . . . 
forrest: We are just too late, gentlemen. The Yankees 
have started up the river; four ships — among them the 
Cumberland and the Congress. If we could only have 
made the trial a few days earlier. 
buchanan: What's to be done, sir? 
forrest: What do you think, Commodore Buchanan? 
buchanan: I understand you. It's terrible risk for 
a crew, sir. 

forrest: I know that. 

buchanan : They must face it. We'll go, sir. Gentle- 
men, you say you are ready for the trial trip. Good. 
We'll make it to-day, now. And we'll make such a 
trial trip as no vessel every took before. Call your men 
to quarters. Steam up. We're going into battle with 
her, now. [The officers stand amazed.] We shall know, 
tonight, gentlemen, if she's sea-worthy. 
the officers: Aye, sir. 

[They salute and scatter. Instantly the few 
soldiers and sailors on the dock swarm down the 
bach. A gathering croicd of civilians, many of 
whom have been idly watching at the bach, 
assemble to watch the vessel start. Commo- 
dore Forrest accompanies Commodore Buch- 
anan up to the dock, shakes hands with him, 
and watches him go down to embark. 
Thich smohes pours from the, smohestach; the 
Confederate flag appears at her peak. The ship's 
bells are heard. Very sloicly the great hulk 
gets under way, the crowd on shore cheering. 
[133] 



The lights go down to night. Far in the dis- 
tance the smoke and flare of burning ships and 
the sound of cannonade. 

Another cheer, and a great flare of torches at 
the dock; the crowd, whch has scattered, gath- 
ers again. The crew flock ashore, spent but 
flushed with victory. 

From the side, Commodore Buchanan is brought 
in, wounded. From the ship, Lieutenant Cates- 
by Jones. Commodore Forrest meets them. 

commodore forrest: A victory, sir — a great victory. 
But you're wounded. 

lieutenant jones : Wounded sir, when we took the 
the Cumberland and the Congress — yesterday. 

commodore forrest : Who has f ought the ship to-day ? 

lieutenant jones : I took command when Commodore 
Buchanan was hit, sir. We've fought the Monitor to- 
day; she's iron clad too, and it's been an iron fight. 

commodore forrest: With what result, Lieutenant 
Jones ? 

lieutenant jones i She was too fast for us. We 

couldn't pursue her, sir. 

[Commodore Buchanan sways as if about to 
fall; his men catch him, and the other officers 
move sympathetically toward him.] 

commodore buchanan: Never mind, sir. Report it to 
Richmond.— she floats. . . .She fights. Report ... the 
Virginia . . . victorious. 

[The torches accompany him off, leaving the 

stage in darkness.] 

[134] 



The Mage of the Tower 

Two years of war have passed. The dogwood blooms 

And withers, in the Spring of sixty-three. 

The armies stir, and the long Federal lines 

Pour southward. . . .By a bivouac fire 

Jackson and Lee's last council. Now the march, 

The daring march, shadowed in leafy lanes, 

Across the enemy's front begins. And now 

The bugles, and the charge ! The victory . . . 

And the heart breaking price ... of Chancellorsville. 

XX. 

CHANCELLORSVILLE 

The entire scene is in pantomime. It begins in the night 
of May 1, 1863. By a small compfire, down at the left 
of the stage, General T.ee is discovered. A few of his 
staff are sleeping on the ground around him. A courier 
enters from the left, reports, and goes out the way he t 
came. From the right, General Jackson, on horse- 
back, returning from a reconnaissance; the two Generals 
sit and confer together over the fire. 
From the right, on horseback, General Stuart. He 
brings the information from Fitzhugh Lee, and Major 
Hotchkiss brings the map of the Furnace road. General 
Stuart, having given the information, returns to the 
right. 

T^ee and Jackson exchange a few words, Jackson sug- 
gesting a movement to the right; Lee questioning , Jack- 
son answering ; Lee agrees. Jackson mounts his horse 
and rides off to the left. Lee, mounting, waits. 
Troops enter from the left, marching silently across to 
the right. Jackson, as they move, entering, salutes, again 

[135] 



exchanges a ivord or two with Lee, and rides out to the 
right with his column. 

The lights disappear, coining on again, not as night 
out as the late afternoon of the next day. 
Jackson's column, still entering from the left, is coming 
into final positions; all very quiet; the men lie down to 
await the word. General Jackson and General Rodes 
are at the centre; couriers come to them from left and 
right reporting the ??iovement complete. Jackson gives 
the word to advance, and rides on. Rodes passes it to 
Blackford, the bugle sounds, and the men start forward. 
The bugle is answered instantly from left and right, the 
calls coming from a great distance. At the ridge at the 
back, the men fire a volley, and yelling charge down the 
bank and through the trees at left and right. The fir- 
ing is heavy along the whole background. The centre 
apparently meets with heavy resistance for the moment, 
and the men are driven, backing and firing, up the slope 
again, and scattering over the forest age. 

Over the back a small group of Federal uniforms can be 
seen and at the left, a cannon is brought hastily into 
place by the Confederates. Reinforcements pour in 
from the left, the Federals at centre are driven down the 
bank, and the whole force sioeeps forward in another 
charge, as the lights fade to night. Zone by zone, the 
firing and the bugles sound farther and farther in the 
background as the great advance is made. 
At the left, we see again General Lee^s bivouac. He is 
aroused by the officer who brings him news of the vic- 
tory; then another officer enters, reporting to Mm Jack- 
son's fall. We see for a moment only his grief -stricken 
face; then darkness. 



[136] 



XXI 

AFTER APPOMATTOX 
The Mage of the Tower 

The Army of the cause your fathers held, 

Virginians, as the cause of right and law, 

Of conscience and the honor of the State, 

Has come to its last field. Surrounded, starved, 

Outnumbered beyond hope, with ceaseless battles 

Blinded and broken, here jis now the end. 

And its illustrious leader, glorious still, 

Signs its surrender, and the peace begins 

The slow, still heading of a nation's riven heart. 

The lights come up on an officer reading Gen- 
eral Lee's farewell order to a great crowd of 
soldiers.'] 
the officer : After four years of arduous service, mark- 
ed by unsurpassed courage and fortitude, the Army of 
Northern Vrginia has been compelled to yield to over- 
whelming numbers and resources. I need not tell the 
survivors of so many hard fought battles, who have 
remained steadfast to the last — 

[The men become conscious that General Lee is 
approaching and turn from the reader to greet 
him. Seeing him coming the officer stops read- 
ing, knotting that his voice will be drowned 
in the cheers. 

The men crowd toward the General, but their 
shouts fail as they reach him. The cheer sinks 
to tears and silence. They surge around him, 
many with arms upraised; they try to touch 
him, or even to touch his horse. He moves 
among them slowly, a great love and a great 
sorrow in his forward- gazing eyes, and so at 
length passes out of sight, as the night gathers.'] 
[137] 



Epilogue 

THE FLAGS 

Chorus 
Out of the struggle of old 

She comes, proudly elate; 
Out of the struggle, behold 

Virginia, the State ! 

From the darkness appears a majestic figure of Vir- 
ginia, flanked by other symbolic figures — Justice and 
Liberty, Learning and Faith. Her Herald, with a sil- 
ver mace, stands at one side, and the bearer of her flag 
at the other. The^' group comes toward us, very stately 
in movement, and. turns to greet successive groups com- 
ing from the right — the Crusaders. The first of these, 
representing the Confederacy, with the Confederate 
flag; the second, the veterans of the Spanish war, trail- 
ing a captured Spanish flag; the third, the men and 
women of the World War services. Each group, as it 
comes before her, after a trumpet call, cries out, 

THE GROUPS 

Hail ! Virginia ! 

The first two groups pass on to the left. As the third 
comes into place, the lights illuminate a new figure, 
America, with the national flag, at center. She comes 
forward a few steps, and pauses. 

Beyond the ridge at the bach the shy is filled vnth the 
smohe and crimson flare of war. And along the 
ridge appear the figures of the Allied Nations — Bel- 
gium, France, Britain, Italy, Russia and Servia. 
The flags of Virginia and the Confederacy fall in be- 

[138] 



hind America as she joins the Allies, and with them 
sweeps down into the smoke and blaze, Virginia and her 
group waiting and waving them* on. The music 

changes to a solemn strain, and all is dark. 

THE REQUIEM 

A light, like silvery moonlight, discloses a veiled and 
enthroned figure aloft at the centre. Below, at the 
right, Virginia and her group; at the left, the Crusaders, 
the World war groups first, then the Spanish, tlien the 
Confederacy. Between them, a veiled group of the 
Chorus of Women moves solemnly, rythmically. 

VIRGINIA 

What of my sons who come not home? 

Where lie they, soldier, they that fight no more? 

THE CRUSADER 

They marched with us, they camped with us; the fields 
Of war on war have heard thedr bugles call. 
They fought with us, and by our side they fell. 

VIRGINIA 

You have not spared your blood, nor I my tears. 
They fell and rose no more? 

THE CRUSADER 

They rose to follow her. [Indicating the enthroned fig- 
ure.] 

Virginia [To the figure.] 
Who art thou? 

DEATH 

I am Death. 



[139] 



THE CHORUS OF WOMEN 

O gleaner of the field of war, 
How many brave — how many brave 
Are fallen to thy harvest tide ? 
How many strong — how many strong 
In hope and love, with thee abide, 
O gleaner of the field of war? 
O Gleaner Death, O Gleaner Death, 
How many weep — how many weep 
In all the lands these years of woe? 
How many men — how many men 
Have touched thy garment bending so, 
And come not home — not home again — 
O Gleaner Death — O Gleaner Death ! 
[The Chorus ceases, and from a distance, in the 
silence, comes the call of Taps. 
Out of the Chorus, one figure stands momen- 
tarily dominant — the Mother.] 

THE MOTHER 

I sent him forth. 'Twas from me, 
Before he came to birth, 
That he learned the high clear call 
To give himself and to pour his life 
For a more triumphant earth. 

I sent him forth to the strife. 

4 Twas done when he stood by my knee 

And I taught him the loftiest names, 

The singers and captaans and heroes and saviors 

Who died that the world might be free. 

I sent him forth to his chance; 

His life is gone like a breath; 

But 'twas I that guidoned his lance, 

[140] 



(And I weep for the child I have lost,) 

But the starry vision was mine that he followed 

To meet with thee, Death. 

THE CHORUS OF WOMEN 

To her who has borne a son and given a son 

What shall be spoken? 

To the mothers of men, 

Now the life that they gave is broken, 

Is dead — 

What shall be said — what shall be said ? 

DEATH 

This mother who hath borne and reared a man, 

And set the golden lamps before his soul, — 

She understands. 

I chose him, and who knows how many times 

It shall be his to die to shape the world 

More to the splendor of his soul's desire. 

[Again the call of Taps, more faintly. ~\ 

a maiden's voice 
His soul's desire — yet, ah — how warm his heart! 

ANOTHER A WIFE 

How lone his grave beneath a foreign sky ! 

THE MOTHER 

Death would not touch my brow instead of his. 

THE MAIDEN 

How still he lies that was so strong — how pale ! 

THE WIFE 

How hollow now the world that was so rich. 

THE MOTHER 

Where turn we now — the onward path is lost. 

[141] 



THE CRUSADER 

Cease ye from lamentation They who died 
Have done their part. They asked no other end 
Than to give all. The Spirit of the State 
Traditioned in their blood from birth, led on. 
They fell. And they sleep sound. 

VIRGINIA 

Maidens and mothers, spirits of tears and song, 
Kemember how they fell ; and not your loss, 
But the world's deep enrichment by their lives, 
Shall lift your hearts to face the newer day. 

[Death rises majestically ; the light begins to 
change until at the end of Death's speech the 
stage is flooded with a golden radiance.'] 

DEATH 

Hear me, ye women, and bear forth my word 

To all who weep the brave Virginian dead. 

Life, as ye know it, is a tented hour 

That shelters you, and blinds you, from the sky. 

From out the smoky darkness of this tent 

My trumpets called these few — these golden few. 

Out in the night they trooped, and looking up, 

Saw, where I led them, all the zoned stars, 

Illimitable, filling the farthest skies 

With fires that wheeled in glory everlasting. 

They died well, and dying so, live on. 

You call me Death, but 1 am more than Death. 

I am the nourisher of liberties, 

And in my change, 

Which these have dared, is written all of fame, 

All honor, and the wakening of the world 

To Life-in- Glory — Man suffused in God ! 

[The Chorus , flooded also with the golden 
light, catches her exultation and lifts it in song.] 

[142] 



. 



THE CHORUS OF WOMEN 

O Life-in-Glory ! Ye that died to live, 
Live on — O treaders of the pathway of the stars ! 
[The lights fade, and the groups vanish.'] 

FESTIVAL 

In place at the left of the stage stands the Spirit of 
Richmond, attended by the cities and counties, and by a 
great group of dancers, the Festival group. 

RICHMOND 

Virginia, hail ! All glorious mother, hail ! 
To-night in solemn festival we come 
To hear again, and tell, and live again 
Thy golden chronicle of greatness. 
Take thou our homage, welcome, love. . . . 
Mother of states, mother of men, rejoice. 

CHORUS 

Rejoice, O hills that bloom beneath the sun, 
O rivers free and filled with spring, be glad, 
And meadows break beneath the plow 
To new fertilities. . . . 
Out of the strife, a State! 
Out of the storm, a star ! 
[As the chorus is sung, Richmond and the atten- 
dant cities pass before Virginia, who is now on 
the steps of the central throne. 
[From the right, America re-enters, with the 
flag and attendant group of States.'] 

AMERICA 

Virginia, here to-night, America 
Salutes thee, measuring her boundless love 
To the high deeds of thine immortal sons. 
For what were I, lacking what thou hast given? 
The dreaming spirits of the bitter years, 
The legislators of the source and spring, 

[143] 



The firebrands biasing forth my liberty, 
The wise, grave leaders shaping out my law, 
And the high hearts who rode the fiery test, 
All these have led me — 
Trumpets and torches in the night of years. 
And heartf ully I do acknowledge all. 

VIRGINIA 

America, I answer thee, remembering, 

And filled with ghostly glories. Yet I know 

Even in the glow and beat of festival, 

I stand midway : and all that I have given 

Cries to the future for still richer gifts, 

The light and leadership that have been mine 

Lie like a solemn burden on my soul, 

A vow I must redeem, a pledge of splendor 

I may not let the future disavow. 

And this high charge I give unto my children : 

Forget not; fail not; shape the years to come 

That those who gave us our great heritage 

Shall not be shamed. Lift up your hearts, and live 

Greatly, that the strong spirits of our mighty dead 

May seem to live again in you, and sway, 

Far in the future, equal destinies. 

[To the sweep of the final chorus the Festival 
groups move forward, dancing/ and in a great 
cheer and surge of salutation to the Spirit of 
Virginia, the Pageant vanishes.'] 



[144] 



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